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PERSIAN-AMERICAN  BULLETIN 

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FOREWORD. 

Through  Baha'o'llah,  his  precursor  the  Bab  and 
Abdul-Baha,  a  universal  religion  has  been  given  to 
the  world.  In  their  teachings  the  basic  principles 
of  all  religions  are  demonstrated  to  be  the  same  in 
kind  and  spirit,  faith  in  tne  teacmngs  of  the  past  is 
strengthened  and  confirmed,  and  humanity  finds  the 
fatherhood  of  God  and  the  brotherhood  of  man  practi- 
cally realized. 

Many  people  are  inquiring  what  new  principles  and 
teachings  the  Bahai  Movement  offers  which  are  not 
already  contained  in  the  religions  and  philosophies 
of  the  past.  Therefore  it  has  seemed  advisable  to 
publish  the  accompanying  compilation  of  excerpts 
from  the  writings  of  Baha'o'llah  and  Abdul-Baha  in 
order  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the  public  some  of 
the  practical  reforms  and  institutions  for  which  their 
teaching  stands.  Like  all  the  world's  leaders  of 
thought  and  morals  the  Bahai  teachers  have  been  far 
ahead  of  their  time.  A  universal  religion,  inter- 
national arbitration,  universal  peace,  a  universal 
language,  universal  suffrage  and  all  of  these  reforms 
which  compose  a  universal  civilization,  were  un- 
thought  of  by  the  world  when,  over  half  a  century  ; 
ago,  these  principles  were  first  taught  by  the  BahaisJ 

Those  who  wish  to  make  a  study  of  the  Bahai 
Movement  will  find  in  its  literature  ample  treatises 
through  Avhich  the  subject  may  also  be  approached 
from  the  spiritual  and  religious  as  well  as  philosophic 
and  prophetic  viewpoints.  —  Feraiaii  American  BulU 
tin 


394147 


SELECTIONS    FROM    THE    WRITINGS    OF 
BAHA'O'LLAH. 

Purpose  of  the  Bahai  Movement. 

"It  has  been  our  aim  to  uplift  men  through  exalted 
Words  unto  the  Supreme  Horizon  and  prepare  them 
to  hearken  unto  that  which  conduces  to  the  santify- 
ing  and  purifying  of  the  people  of  the  world  from  the 
strife  and  discord  resulting  from  differences  in  re- 
ligions or  sects. 

"O  friends!  In  this  day  the  Door  of  Heaven  is 
opened  by  the  key  of  the  Grodly  Name,  the  Ocean  of 
Generosity  is  manifested  and  is  rolling  before  your 
faces,  and  the  Sun  of  Providence  is  shining  and 
gleaming;  do  not  be  exclusive,  nor'^estroy  your  most 
precious  time  through  the  speech  of  this  or  that 
person.  Gird  up  the  loins  of  endeavor  and  do  your 
best  in  training  the  people  of  the  world.  Do  not 
imagine  that  the  Cause  of  God  is  a  cause  of  oppo- 
sition, hatred  and  wrath.  The  Tongue  of  Greatness 
hath  said  that  which  is  revealed  from  the  Heaven  of 
\viii  in  this  Supreme  Manifestation,  is  to  unite  the 
people  with  love  and  friendship  toward  all.  The 
people  of  Baha  who  have  drunk  of  the  pure  Wine  of 
Reality  must  associate  with  all  the  world  with  the 
perfect  spirit  of  joy  and  fragrance,  and  remind  them 
of  that  which  is  for  the  benefit  of  all.  This  is  the 
commandment  of  the  Wronged  One  to  His  saints 
and  sincere  ones. 

"O  people  of  the  earth!  Make  not  the  religion  of 
God  a  cause  for  variance  among  you.  Verily,  of  a 
truth,  it  was  revealed  for  the  purpose  of  unifying 
the  whole  world.  Blessed  is  he  who  loves  the  world 
simply  for  the  sake  of  the  Face  of  his  Generous  Lord." 

"We  did  not  come  except  for  the  purpose  of  uniting 
whosoever  is  upon  the  earth  and  bringing  them  into 
perfect  harmony  and  agreement," 


The  Aim   of  the  People  of   Baha. 

"With  perfect  ccmDassron  and  mercy  have  we 
guided  and  directed  the  people  of  the  world  to  that 
whereby  their  souls  shall  be  profited.  I  declare  by 
the  Sun  of  Truth  which  hath  shone  forth  from  the 
highest  horizons  of  the  world  that  the  people  of 
Baha  had  not  and  have  not  any  aim  save  the  pros- 
,,^. Aperity  and  reformation  of  the  world  and  th'e  purify- 
jing  of  the  nations.  With  all  men  they  have  been  in 
sincerity  and  charity." 


The   Knowledge  of  Self. 

"Man  should  know  his  own  self,  and  know  those 
things  which  lead  to  loftiness  or  to  baseness,  to 
shame  or  to  honor,  to  affluence  or  to  poverty." 


Western  Sciences  and  Arts  Commended. 

"In  this  Day  the  san  of  arts  and  crafts  is  mani- 
fest from  the  horizon  of  the  heaven  of  the  Occident, 
and  the  river  of  skill  is  flowing  from  the  sea  of  that 
region.  One  must  speak  with  justice  and  recognize 
the  wortn  of  benefits.  By  the  Lire  of  God,  the  word 
Justice  is  shining  and  luminous  like  unto  the  sun." 


The  Acquirement  of  Sciences  and  Arts  Is  Incumbent 
upon  all. 

"Knowledge  is  like  unto  wings  for  the  being  (of 
man),  and  is  as  a  ladder  for  ascending.  To  acquire 
knowledge  is  incumbent  on  all,  but  of  those  sciences 
which  may  profit  the  people  of  the  earth,  and  not 
such  sciences  as  begin  in  mere  words  and  end  in 
mere  words.  The  possessors  of  sciences  and  arts 
have  a  great  right  among  the  people  of  the  world. 
Whereunto  testifies  the  Mother  of  invine  Utterance 
in  the  Day  of  Return.     J07  unto  those  who  hearj 


Indeed  the  real  treasury  of  man  is  his  knowledge. 
Knowledge  is  the  means  of  honor,  prosperity,  joy, 
gladness,  happiness  and  exultation." 


Work  Identical  with  Prayer. 

**It  is  made  incumbent  on  every  one  of  you  to 
engage  in  some  one  occupation,  such  as  arts,  trades, 
and  the  like.  We  have  made  this — your  occupation 
— identical  with  the  worship  of  God,  the  True  One. 
Reflect,  O  people,  upon  the  mercy  of  God  and  upon 
His  favors,  then  thank  Him  in  mornings  and  even- 
ings." 

Idleness  Condemned. 

"Waste  not  your  time  in  idleness  and  slothfulness, 
but  occupy  yourself  with  that  whereby  you  will  profit 
yourselves  and  others." 


Begging  Prohibited. 

"The  most  despised  of  men  before  God  is  he  who 
sits  and  begs.  Cling  unto  the  rope  of  means,  relying 
upon  God,  the  Causer  of  Causes.  Every  soul  who  oc- 
cupies himself  in  an  art  or  trade — this  will  be 
accounted  an  act  oi  vvorship  before  God.  Verily  this 
is  from  no  other  than  His  great  and  abundant  favor  V" 


Compassion   and    Kindness. 

"Blessed  are  they  who  hold  fast  to  the  Rope  of 
Compassion  and  Kindness  and  are  detached  from 
animosity  and   hatred." 


The  Language  of  Love. 

"The     language     of     Love     is     the     lodestone     of 


8 


hearts  and  the  food  of  the  soul;  it  stands  in  the 
relation  of  ideas  to  words  and  is  an  horizon  for  the 
snining  of  the  Sun  of  Wisdom  and  Knowledge." 


Forbearance  and  Benevolence. 

"This  Oppressed  One  exhorts  the  people  of  the 
world  to  Forbearance  and  Benevolence  (or  well- 
doing) .  These  are  as  two  lights  for  the  darkness  of 
the  world  and  as  two  teachers  to  lead  nations  to 
Knowledge.  Blessed  are  those  who  attain  thereto, 
and  woe  unto  those  who  are  heedless." 


Good   Character. 

"Grood  character  is,  verily  the  best  mantle  for  men 
on  the  part  of  Grod;  by  this  God  adorns  the  temples 
of  His  friends.  By  My  Life  the  light  of  good  char- 
acter surpasses  the  light  of  the  sun  and  its  effulgence. 
He  who  attains  thereto  is  accounted  as  the  essence 
of  men.  Upon  this  the  honor  and  glory  of  the  world 
are  based  and  are  dependent.  Good  character  is  the 
means  of  guiding  men  to  the  Right  Path  and  the 
Great  Message." 

Trustworth  i  ness. 

"Trustworthiness  is  the  door  of  tranquility  to  all 
in  the  world,  and  the  sign  of  glory  from  the  pres- 
ence of  the  Merciful  One.  Whosoever  attains  thereto 
has  attained  to  treasuries  of  wealth  and  aflaiuence. 
Trustworthiness  is  the  greatest  door  to  the  security 
and  tranquility  of  mankind.  The  stability  of  every 
affair  always  depends  on  it,  and  the  worlds  of 
honor,  glory  and  affluence  are  illuminated  by  its 
light." 

S'rncerity  and  Faithfulness. 

"O  friends  of  Gk>d,  verily  the  Pen  of  Sincerity  en- 


9 

joineth  on  you  the  greatest  faithfulness.  By  the 
Life  of  God,  its  light  is  more  evident  than  the  light 
of  the  sun!  In  its  light  and  its  brightness  and  its 
radiance  every  light  is  eclipsed.  We  desire  of  God 
that  He  will  not  withhold  from  His  cities  and  lands 
the  radiant  effulgence  of  the  sun  of  Faithfulness." 


Search  after  Knowledge. 

"Knowledge  is  one  of  the  greatest  benefits  of  God. 
To  acquire  knowledge  is  incumbent  on  all.  These 
visible  arts  and  present  implements  aie  from  the 
results  of  His  Knowledge  and  Wisdom,  which  have 
been  revealed  from  the  Supreme  Pen.  In  this  Day 
the  mysteries  of  this  earth  are  unfolded  and  have 
become  visible  before  the  eyes." 


Reverence. 

"O  people  of  God!  I  exhort  you  to  Reverence. 
Reverence  is,  in  the  primary  station,  the  lord  of  all 
virtues.  Blessed  is  he  who  is  illumined  with  the 
light  of  Reverence,and  is  adorned  with  the  mantle 
of  Uprightness!  He  who  is  endowed  with  Reverence 
is  endowed  with  a  great  station." 


Causes  of  Human  Greatness  and  Downfall. 

"Verily  man  becomes  lofty  through  his  trustworthl-l 
neas,  chastity,  judgment  and  virtues,  and  fallethj 
through  treachery,  falsehood,  folly  and  hypocrisy."    1 

Man  Must  Show  Fruits. 

"Man  must  show  forth  fruits.  A  fruitless  man,  in 
the  words  of  His  Holiness  the  Spirit  (i.  e.,  Christ),  is 
like  unto  a  fruitless  tree,  and  a  fruitless  tree  is 
fit  for  fire." 


10 

The  Qualities  of  a  Merciful  Man. 

"O  son  of  Man!  If  thou  lookest  toward  Mercy, 
regard  not  that  which  benefits  thee,  and  hold  to  that 
vvhich  will  benefit  the  servants  (mankind) :  If  thou 
lookest  toward  Justice,  choose  thou  for  others  what 
thou  choosest  for  thyself.  Verily,  through  mercy 
man  is  elevated  to  the  heaven  of  power;  and  again, 
pride  degrades  him  to  the  lowest  station  of  humilia- 
tion and  abasement." 

Charity. 

"Charity  is  beloved  and  acceptable  before  God, 
and  is  accounted  the  chief  among  all  good  deeds. 
Consider,  and  then  remember  that  which  the  Merciful 
One  has  revealed  in  the  Koran:  'But  (they)  prefer 
them  (the  poor)  before  themselves,  although  there  be 
indigence  among  them.  He  who  is  preserved  from 
the  covetousness  of  his  own  soul,  such  shall  surely 
prosper.'  Indeed,  this  blessed  Word  is,  in  this  con- 
nection, a  sun  among  words:  Blessed  is  he  who 
prefers  his  brother  before  himself;  such  an  one  is 
of  the  people  of  Baha!" 

Cursing    and    Execration    Condemned. 

"O  people  of  Baha!  Ye  are  dawning-places  of  the 
Lrove  and  day-springs  of  the  Favor  of  Grod.  Defile 
not  the  tongues  with  cursing  and  execrating  anyone 
and  guard  your  eyes  from  that  which  is  not  worthy. 
Show  forth  that  which  ye  possess  (Truth,  etc.)  if 
it  is  accepted,  the  aim  is  attained;  if  not,  interference 
is  not  allowable." 


Fulfillment   of   Promise. 


r. 


Fulfill  the  promise  thou  givest,  and  in  all  matters 
be  just  and  equitable.  Be  silent  among  multitudes 
of  men,  and  upright  in  giving  decisions.     Be  humble 


11 

toward  men,  be  a  lamp  in  darkness,  a  comforter  in 
troubles,  a  sea  to  the  thirsty,  a  refuge  to  the  afflicted, 
a  helper,  assistant  and  succor  to  the  oppressed." J 

Bahai  Admonitions.  _^ 

"In  actions  and  deeds  be  virtuous  and  pious.  Be  a'i 
home  to  the  stranger,  a  healing  to  the  sick,  a  strong 
hold  to  him  who  asks  for  help,  a  sight  to  the  blind, 
a  path  to  him  who  goeth  astray.  Be  thou  the  beauty 
of  the  face  of  truth,  an  adornment  to  the  temple  of 
faithfulness,  a  throne  to  the  house  of  character,  a 
spirit  to  the  body  of  the  world,  a  banner  to  the  hosts 
of  justice  and  a  light  to  the  horizon  of  goodness. 

Be  thou  a  dew  to  the  fertile  and  rich  ground,  an 
ark  to  the  sea  of  science,  a  star  in  the  heaven  of  gen- 
erosity, a  diadem  to  the  head  of  wisdom,  a  white 
spot  on  the  forehead  of  time,  and  a  fruit  of  the  tree 
of  humbleness," 

Be  patient  in  misfortunes  and  contented  in  all  as- 
pects. In  truth  be  firm  and  unwavering;  be  quick 
in  doing  good  deeds;  be  assiduous  toward  God;  be 
a  veiler  of  people's  faults;  be  an  avoider  of  lust. 
Be  a  runner  after  the  truth;  a  cloud  of  bounty  to 
the  servants  of  God;  be  kindly  to  thy  debtors;  be 
a  forgiver  to  the  transgressors;  be  a  fulfiller  of  the 
Covenant  and  steadfast  in  the  Cause." 

Victory  Over  One's  Own  Heart. 

"Every  one  who  desireth  victory  must  first  subdue 
the  city  of  his  own  heart  with  the  sword  of  spiritual 
truth  and  of  the  Word,  and  must  protect  it  from 
remembering  aught  besides  God;  afterwards  let  him 
turn  his  regards  towards  the  cities  of  (others)  hearts. 
This  is  what  is  meant  by  'victory!'" 

Intoxicants  Forbidden. 

"It  is  forbidden  to  drink  that  which  will  destroy  the 
mind.     Every  rational  being  should  do  that  which  b<^- 


li 

fitteth  a  man,  and  not  that  which  is  practiced  by  the 
careleas   and   heedless." 


Morals  and    Manners. 

"Well  is  it  with  him  who  is  adorned  with  the 
decoration  of  manners  and  morals;  verily  he  is  of 
those  who  help  their  Lord  with  clear  perspicuous 
action." 


Gambling  and  the  Use  of  Opium  Forbidden. 

"Gambling  and  the  use  of  opium  are  strictly  pro- 
hibited. Beware  not  to  practice  that  which  will  en- 
feeble your  temples  and  harm  your  bodies." 


True  Liberty. 

"Among  the  people  are  those  who  glory  in  a  desire 
for  liberty.  Know  that  the  animal  is  the  symbol  of 
liberty  and  manifestation  thereof,  hence  it  be- 
hooveth  man  to  put  himself  under  laws  which  will 
protect  him  against  the  ignorance  of  himself,  and  the 
injury  of  the  deceitful.  Liberty  is  confined  to  com- 
pliance with  the  Commandments  of  God.  If  ye  adopt 
that  which  He  hath  revealed  for  you  from  the 
Heaven  of  Inspiration,  ye  will  find  yourselves  in  per- 
fect and  pure  freedom.  The  liberty  which  profits 
you  is  that  which  is  confined  to  your  servitude  to 
God,  the  Truth.  He  who  tastes  its  sweetness  will 
never  exchange  it  for  the  possessions  of  the  realms 
of  the  heavens  and  earths." 


Universal  Tolerance. 

"Consort  with  (the  people  of)  religions  with  joy 
and  fragrance.  The  followers  of  Sincerity  and  Faith- 
fulness must  consort  with  all  the  people  of  the  world 


18 

with  joy  and  fragrance;  for  association  (intercoursey 
is  always  conducive  to  union  and  harmony,  and 
union  and  harmony  are  the  cause  of  the  order  of  the 
world  and  the  life  of  nations." 


The  Fire  of  Love  is  the  Cause  of  Union. 

"The  Fire  of  Love  will  assemble  all  the  different 
people  in  one  court;  but  the  fire  of  animosity  is  the 
cause  of  disunion  and  conflict." 


international  Intercourse. 

"It  is  sanctioned  that  all  the  nations  of  the  world 
consort  with  each  other  with  joy  and  fragrance.  Con- 
sort ye,  O  people,  with  (the  people  of)  all  religions 
with  joy  and  fragrance.  We  have  said — and  our  say- 
ing is  truth — Consort  with  all  the  (people  of)  religions 
with  joy  and  fragrance.  Through  this  Utterance 
whatever  was  the  cause  of  foreignness,  discord  and 
disunion   has   been   removed." 


Unity  and  Love. 

"All  must  adhere  to  the  means  which  is  conducive 
to  Love  and   Unity." 


The  Light  of  Agreement. 

"O  people  of  the  world,  ye  are  all  the  fruit  of  one 
tree  and  the  leaves  of  one  branch.  Walk  with  perfect 
charity,  concord,  affection  and  agreement.  I  declare 
by  the  Sun  of  Truth,  the  light  of  agreement  shall 
brighten  and  illumine  all  the  horizons." 


Freedom  of  the  World  from  Bondage. 
"Tou  must  show  forth  that  which  will  be  conducive 


14 

to  the  welfare  and  tranquility  of  the  helpless  ones  of 
the  world.  Gird  up  the  loins  of  effort;  perchance  the 
slaves  may  be  emancipated  from  bondage  and  find 
freedom." 


Be  not  Occupied  with  Yourselves. 

"It  is  revealed  in  one  of  the  Tablets:  *0  people 
of  Grod!  Be  not  occupied  with  yourselves.  Be  intent 
on  the  betterment  of  the  world  and  the  training  of 
nations.'  The  betterment  of  the  world  can  be  ac- 
complished through  pure  and  excellent  deeds  and 
well-approved  and  agreeable  conduct.  The  helper 
of  the  Cause  is  Deeds  and  its  assistant  is  Good 
Character." 


Teaching  the  Truth  through  Deeds. 

'Tt   behooveth   the    people   of  Baha   to   assist   the 
Lord  through  their  utterance  and  to  preach  unto  the 
^  world    through    their    deeds    and    good    morals,.     The 
effect  of  deeds  is  greater  than  the  effect  of  words." 


World  Patriotism. 

"In  former  ages  it  has  been  said:  *To  love  one's 
native  land  is  Faith.'  But  the  tongue  of  Grandeur 
hath  said  in  the  Day  of  this  Manifestation:  'Glory 
is  not  his  who  loves  his  native  land;  but  glory  is  his 
who  loves  his  kind.'  By  these  exalted  Words  He 
taught  the  birds  of  souls  a  new  flight  and  effaced  re- 
striction and  blind  imitation  from  the  Book." 


Universal  Patriotism. 

"The  most  splendid  fruit  of  the  Tree  of  Knowledge 
is  this  exalted  Word:  Ye  are  all  fruits  of  one  tree  and 
loaves  of  one  branch." 


15 

Be  Generous  when  in  Affluence. 

*'Be  generous  when  in  affluence  and  grateful  when 
thou  art  poor.  Be  faithful  to  the  rights  of  others. 
Let  thy  face  be  bright  and  open  and  be  a  treasure 
to  the  poor  and  needy.  Be  an  admonisher  to  the 
rich,  and  an  answerer  to  those  who  call  on  thee." 

What  The   Rich   Men   Should   Do. 

*'0  children  of  dust,  let  the  rich  learn  the  midnight 
sighing  of  the  poor,  lest  negligence  destroy  them 
and  they  be  deprived  of  their  portion  of  the  tree  of 
wealth.  O  ye  who  are  wealthy  on  earth,  the  poor 
among  ye  are  my  trust,  therefore  guard  my  trust,  and 
be  npt  wholly  occupied  with  your  own  ease." 

Advice  to   Rich   People. 

'*0  ye  rich  people!  When  ye  see  a  poor  man  do 
not  grow  proud  and  haughty  and  despise  him,  but 
think  from  what  ye  were  created. 

''Do  ye  imagine  that  ye  will  be  prcrfited  by  what 
ye  have?  It  will  be  possessed  by  some  one  in  your 
stead,  and  ye  shall  return  to  the  dust  without  find- 
ing any  one  to  succor  or  help.  Of  what  use  is  a  life 
that  is  ruled  by  death,  or  a  duration  which  vanisheth, 
or  a  grace  that  changeth?" 

Adherence  to  That  Which   is  Conducive  to  Progress. 

''In  this  Day,  it  is  incumbent  and  obligator  uDon  | 
all  to  adhere  to  that  which  is  conducive  to  the  pro-  \ 
gress  and  elevation  of  the  just  government  and  ; 
people."  ^-^ 


Respect     and      Love     for      True      Philosophers     and 
Scientists. 

"This    Oppressed    One    hath    loved    and    loves    the 


16 

philosophers,  that  is — those  whose  philosophy  hath 
not  been  mere  words,  but  who  have  produced  last- 
in?  results  and  fruits  in  the  world.  To  respect  these 
blessed  souls  is  incumbent  on  all.  Blessed  are  those 
who  practice." 


Advices  to  The  Wise  Men  of  Nations. 

**0  ye  wise  men  among  nations!  Turn  your  eyes 
away  from  foreignness  and  gaze  unto  Oneness,  and 
hold  fast  unto  the  means  which  conduce  to  the  tran- 
quility and  security  of  the  people  of  the  whole  world. 
This  span-wide  world  is  but  one  native  land  and  one 
locality.  Abandon  that  glory  which  is  the  cause  of 
discord  and  turn  unto  that  which  promotes  harmony. 
To  the  people  of  Baha  glory  is  in  knowledge,  good 
deeds,  good  morals  and  wisdom,  not  in  native  land 
or  station.  O  people  of  the  earth;  appreciate  the 
worth  of  this  Heavenly  Word,  for  it  is  like  unto  a 
ship  for  the  sea  of  Knowledge,  and  is  as  the  sun  to 
the  universe  of  Perception." 


Obedience  to  tiie  Laws  of  Government. 

"In  every  country  or  government  where  any  of  this 
community  reside,  they  must  behave  tx>ward  that 
government  with  faithfulness,  trustfulness  and  truth- 
iculness." 


U.. 


Asceticism  and   IVIonkiiood  Discouraged. 

"O  people  of  the  Earth!  A  solitary  life  and  severe 
discipline  do  not  meet  God's  approval.  The  pos- 
sessors of  perception  and  knowledge  should  look  unto 
the  means  which  are  conducive  to  joy  and  fragrance. 
Such  practices  come  forth  and  proceed  from  the  loins 
of  superstition  and  the  womb  of  fancy,  and  are  not 
worthy  the  people  of  knowledge.  Some  of  the  people 
of  the  past  and  of  later  times  dwelt  in  mountain  and 


17 

caves,  and  others  frequented  the  tombs  during  the 
night.  Hearken  to  the  advice  of  this  Oppressed  One. 
Abandon  that  which  ye  hold,  and  adhere  unto  what 
the  Trustworthy  Counsellor  commands.  Deprive  not 
yourselves  of  that  which  is  created  for  you." 


Confession  of  Sins. 

"The  sinner,  when  in  a  state  wherein  he  finds  him- 
self free  and  severed  from  all  else  save  God,  must 
beg  for  God's  forgiveness  and  pardon.  At  the  same 
time  such  confession  before  the  creatures  (men)  leads 
to  one's  humiliation  and  abasement  and  God — Exalted 
in  His  Glory! — does  not  wish  for  the  humiliation  of 
his  servants.  Verily  He  is  Compassionate  and  Bene- 
ficent i 

A  sinner  must  privately,  between  himself  and 
God,  beg  for  mercy  from  the  Sea  of  Mercy  and  ask 
forgiveness  from  the  Heaven  of  Beneficence." 

Celibacy. 

"The  pious  practices  of  the  monks  and  priests 
among  the  people  of  His  Holiness  the  Spirit  (Christ) 
— upon  Him  Is  the  Peace  of  God  and  His  (ilory! — 
are  remembered  before  God;  but,  in  this  day  they 
must  abandon  solitude  for  open  places  (i  e.,  the 
society  of  men),  and  engage  in  that  which  may  profit 
both  themselves  and  other  men.  .  We  have  conferred 
permission  on  them  all  to  engage  in  matrimony,  so 
that  there  may  appear  from  them  those  who  (i.  e., 
children)  may  celebrate  the  praise  of  God,  the  Lord 
of  the  Seen  and  Unseen  and  the  Lord  of  the  Lofty 
Throne." 


Justice: 

"Gaze  toward   the  horizon   of  Justice  and  Equity 
under  all  circumstances.     This  exalted  Utterance  has 


18 

been  revealed,  from  the  Pen  of  Abha  in  the  Hidden 
Words. 

'O  Son  of  Spirit! 

'The  best  of  all  to  Me  is  Justice.  Desire  thou  not 
to  cast  it  away  if  thou  desirest  Me,  and  neglect  it 
not,  that  thou  may'st  be  faithful  to  Me,  for  by  it 
thou  wilt  attain  to  see  the  things  with  thine  own 
eyes  and  not  by  the  eyes  of  the  creatures  and  know 
them  by  thine  own  knowledge  and  not  by  the  know- 
ledge of  any  in  the  world.  Meditate  on  this — how 
thou  oughtest  to  be.  Justice  is  one  of  My  Gifts  to 
thee  and  one  of  My  Cares  over  thee,  therefore  put 
it  before  thine  eyes  continually.' 

"The  possessors  of  Justice  and  Equity  occupy  the 
highest  station  and  loftiest  rank;  the  lights  of  Right- 
eousness and  Piety  radiate  and  shine  from  such  souls. 
It  is  hoped  that  nations  and  countries  may  not  be  de- 
prived of  the  lights  of  these  two  orbs." 

"The  light  of  men  is  Justice;  quench  it  not  with 
the  contrary  winds  of  oppression  and  tyranny.  The 
purpose  of  justice  is  the  appearance  of  unity  among 
people.  In  this  exalted  Word,  the  sea  of  God's  wis- 
dom is  moving.  All  the  books  of  the  world  are  not 
sufficient  to  contain  its  interpretation." 

House  of  Justice. 

"God  has  imposed  on  every  town  the  erection  of 
a  House  of  Justice  where  men  are  to  assemble  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  Baha  (if  they  surpass  this 
number  it  matters  little).  They  should  figure  to 
themselves  that  they  are  in  God's  presence,  and  see 
what  is  invisible.  They  should  be  divine  agents  in 
the  casual  world,  the  representatives  of  God  for  those 
who  are  on  earth,  and  defend  for  love  of  God  the 
interests  of  His  servants  as  they  would  defend  their 
own. 

"The  Men  of  the  House  of  Justice  of  God  must, 
night  and  day,  gaze  toward  that  which  hath  been  re- 
vealed from  the  horizon  of  the  Heaven  of  the 
Supreme    Pen    for    the    training    of    the    servants 


19 

(people) ,  for  the  upbuilding  of  countries,  for  the  pro- 
tection of  men  and  for  the  preservation  of  (human) 
honor.'* 


The  Duties  of  the  Members  of  the  House  of  Justice. 

"We  exhort  the  men  (members)  of  the  House  of 
Justice,  and  command  them  to  guard  and  protect 
the  servants,  maidservants  and  children." 


Universal   Parliament  of  Man. 

"The  affairs  of  the  people  are  in  charge  of  the  men 
of  the  House  of  Justice.  They  are  the  trustees  of 
God  among  His  servants  and  the  sources  of  command 
in  his  countries." 


Universal  Education. 

"It  is  decreed  that  every  father  must  educate  his 
sons  and  daughters  in  learning  and  in  writing  and 
also  in  that  which  hath  been  ordained  in  the  Tablet. 
He  who  neglects  that  which  hath  been  commanded 
(in  this  matter),  if  he  is  rich,  it  is  incumbent  on  the 
trustees  (of  the  House  of  Justice)  to  recover  from 
him  the  amount  required  for  the  education  of  the 
children;  otherwise  (i.e.,  if  the  parent  is  not  capable) 
the  matter  shall  devolve  on  the  House  of  Justice. 
Verily  We  have  made  it  (the  House  of  Justice)  an 
asylum  for  the  poor  and  needy. 

"He  who  educates  his  son,  or  any  other's  children, 
it  is  as  though  he  hath  educated  one  of  My  children. 
Upon  such  an  one  be  My  Baha,  My  Providence  and 
My  Mercy,  which  hath  embraced  all  in  the  world!" 


School  Funds. 
"Men  and  women  must  place  a  part  of  what  they 


L 


20 

earn  by  trade,  agriculture,  or  other  business,  in 
charge  of  a  trustworthy  person,  to  be  spent  in  the 
education  and  instruction  of  the  children.  That 
deposit  must  be  invested  in  the  education  of  the 
children,  under  the  advice  of  the  Trustees  (or  mem- 
bers) of  the  House  of  Justice.'* 


Proclamation  of  Universal  Peace. 

"We  desire  but  the  good  of  the  world  and  the  hap- 
piness of  the  nations.  That  all  nations  should  become 
one  in  faith  and  all  men  as  brothers;  that  the  bonds 
of  affection  and  unity  between  the  sons  of  men  should 
be  strengthened;  that  diversity  of  religion  should 
cease,  and  differences  of  race  be  annulled — what  harm 
is  there  in  this?  Yet  so  it  shall  be;  these  fruitless 
strifes,  these  ruinous  wars  shall  pass  away,  and  the 
'Most  Great  _  Peace'  shall  come.  Do  not  you  in 
Europe  need  this  also?  Is  not  this  that  which  Christ 
foretold?  Yet  do  we  see  your  kings  and  rulers  lav- 
ishing their  treasures  more  freely  on  means  for  the 
destruction  of  the  human  race  than  on  that  which 
would  conduce  to  the  happiness  of  mankind.  These 
strifes  and  this  bloodshed  and  discord  must  cease, 
and  all  men  be  as  one  kindred  and  one  family.  Let 
not  a  man  glory  in  this,  that  he  loves  his  country; 
let  him  rather  glory  in  this,  that  he  loves  his  kind." 


The  Burden  of  Military  Expenditures. 

"We  ask  God  that  He  will  help  the  Kings  to  be  at 
peace;  verily  He  is  able  to  do  what  He  willeth. 
O  assembly  of  Kings!  Verily  we  see  you  increasing 
your  expenditure  every  year,  and  placing  the  burden 
(thereof)  on  your  subjects;  this  is  nought  but  mani- 
fest injustice.  Fear  ye  the  sighs  of  the  oppressed 
and  his  tears,  and  do  not  burden  your  subjects  above 
that  which  they  can  bear,  neither  ruin  them  to  build 
up  your  palaces.  Choose  for  them  that  which  ye 
Choose  for  yourselves;  thus  do  we  expound  unto  you 


21 

that  which  will  profit  you,  if  ye  are  of  those  who 
enquire." 


Universal   Peace. 

"The  Ministers  (Counsellors,  i.  e.,  members)  of  the 
House  of  Justice  must  promote  the  Most  Great  Peace, 
in  order  that  the  world  may  be  free  from  onerous 
expenditures.  This  matter  is  obligatory  and  indis- 
pensable; for  warfare  and  conflict  are  the  founda- 
tion of  trouble  and  distress." 


The   Most  Great  Peace. 

"We  have  commanded  the  Most  Great  Peace,  which 
is  the  greatest  means  for  the  protection  of  mankind. 
The  rulers  of  the  world  must,  in  one  accord,  adhere 
to  this  Command,  which  is  the  main  cause  for  the 
security  and  tranquility  of  the  world.  We  beg  of 
God  to  assist  them  in  that  which  is  conducive  to 
the  peace  of  the  people." 


International    Parliament   for  the   Purpose   of  Choos- 
ing an  International  Tongue. 

"The  Third  Glad  Tidings  is  the  study  of  various; 
languages.  This  command  hath  formerly  flowed  from 
the  Supreme  Pen.  Their  Majesties,  the  Kings — may 
God  assist  them — or  the  Counsellors  of  the  earth  . 
must  consult  together,  and  appoint  one  of  the  exist- 
ing languages  or  a  new  language,  and  instruct  the 
children  therein,  in  all  the  schools  of  the  world;  and 
the  same  must  be  done  in  respect  to  writing  also. 
In  such  case  the  earth  will  be  considered  as  one." 

Universal   Language  is  Followed  by  Universal  Union 
and  Harmony.  | 

"The   Sixth   Ishrak  is   concerning  union   and  har- 


22 

mony  among  servants  (mankind).  Through  union 
the  regions  of  the  world  have  been  illuminated  with 
the  light  of  the  Cause.  The  greatest  means  (for  this 
end)  is  that  the  peoples  should  be  familar  with  each 
other's  writing  and  language." 


Respect  for  Religion. 

**At  this  moment  the  Supreme  Pen  exhorts  the  day- 
springs  of  power  and  dawning-places  of  authority,  to- 
wit:  kings,  rulers,  chiefs,  princes,  learned  men  (of 
religion)  and  mystics  and  commands  them  to  hold  fast 
to  Religion.  Religion  is  the  greatest  instrument  for 
the  order  of  the  world  and  the  tranquility  of  all  ex- 
istent beings.  The  weakness  of  the  pillars  of  Religion 
has  encouraged  the  ignorant  and  rendered  them 
audacious  and  arrogant.  Truly,  I  say,  whatever 
lowers  the  lofty  station  of  religion  will  increase 
heedlessness  in  the  wicked,  and  finally  result  in 
anarchy.    Hear,  O  ye  (who  are)  endowed  with  sight!" 


Religion. 

"The  people  of  wealth  and  men  of  honor  and  power 
must  have  the  best  possible  regard  and  respect  for 
Religion.  Religion  is  a  manifest  light  and  a  strong 
fortress  for  the  protection  and  tranquility  of  the 
people  of  the  world.  For  the  fear  of  God  commands 
people  to  do  that  which  is  just  and  forbids  them  that 
which  is  evil.  If  the  lamp  of  Religion  remain  con- 
cealed agitation  and  anarchy  would  prevail,  and  the 
orb  of  Justice  and  Equity  and  the  sun  of  Peace  and 
Tranquility  would  be  withheld  from  giving  light." 


Religion  the  Cause  of  Union  and  Harmony. 

"The  religion  of  God  and  the  Creed  of  God  hath 
been  revealed  and  made  manifest  from  the  heaven 
of   the  Will   of   the   King   of   Pre-existence   for   the 


23 

sake  of  union  and  harmony  among  the  people  of 
the  world;  make  it  not  a  means  for  disagreement 
and  discord." 


Religipus  Warfare  Abolished. 

"The  First  Glad  Tidings  which  is  conferred  in  this 
Most  Great  Manifestation  on  all  the  people  of  the 
world  from  the  'Mother  Book/  is  the  abolishing  of 
the  decree  of  religious  warfare  from  the  Book." 


Working  for  the    Removal   of   Religious    Prejudice.^ 

*'0  unitarians,  make  firm  the  girdle  of  endeavor, 
that  perchance  religious  strife  and  conflict  may  be 
removed  from  amongst  the  people  of  the  world  and 
be  annulled.  For  love  of  God  and  His  servants  en- 
gage in  this  great  and  mighty  matter.  Religious 
hatred  and  rancor  is  a  world-consuming  fire,  and  the 
quenching  thereof  most  arduous,  unless  the  hand  of 
Divine  Might  give  men  deliverance  from  this  un- 
fruitful calamity.  Consider  a  war  which  happeneth 
between  two  states:  both  sides  have  foregone  wealth 
and  life;  how  many  villages  were  beheld  as  though 
they  were  not!  This  precept  is  in  the  position  of 
the  light  in  the  lamp  of  utterance." 

Characteristics  of  Rulers. 

"O  people  of  God! — Exalted  in  His  Glory! — Ask 
God  to  guard  the  sources  of  power  and  authority 
(rulers,  etal)  against  the  evil  of  egotism  and  lust 
and  to  illumine  them  with  the  lights  of  justice  and 
guidance." 


The  Qualities   of  a   Noble    King. 

"A  king  whom  the  pride  of  authority  and  indepen- 
dence does  not  withhold  from  being  just,  and  whom 


24 

benefits,  opulence,  glory,  hosts  and  legions  do  not 
deprive  of  the  splendors  of  the  Orb  of  Equity — such 
a  king  shall  possess  a  lofty  station  and  an  exalted 
rank  in  the  Supreme  Concourse;  it  is  incumbent  on 
all  to  assist  and  love  such  a  blessed  being.  Blessed 
is  the  ruler  who  controls  the  reins  of  the  ego,  and 
overcomes  his  wrath;  who  prefers  justice  to  oppres- 
sion and  equity  to  tyranny!*' 


Rulers  and  Leaders  Should  Assist  in  the  Disappear- 
ance of  Discord. 

"We  ask  the  manifestation  of  Power,  that  is,  kings 
and  leaders,  to  endeavor,  perchance  discord  may  van- 
ish and  the  world  be  illumined  with  the  light  of 
accord." 


Execution  of  the  Penal   Laws. 

''The  Third  Ishrak  commands  the  executing  of  the 
penal  laws,  for  this  is  the  primary  means  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  world.  The  heaven  of  Divine 
Wisdom  is  illumined  and  shining  with  two  orbs — 
Consultation  and  Kindness.  And  the  tent  of  the 
order  of  the  world  is  hoisted  and  established  on  two 
pillars.  Reward  and  Retribution." 


The  Government  should  Appoint  Officials  According 
to  their  Merits. 

"Governments  must  be  acquainted  with  the  con- 
ditions, (or  deserts)  of  the  officials  and  must  confer 
upon  them  dignity  and  positions  in  accord  with 
(men*s)  due  measure  and  merit.  To  have  regard 
for  this  matter  is  obligatory  and  incumbent  on  every 
chief  and  ruler.  Thus,  perchance,  traitors  shall  not 
usurp  the  place  of  trustworthy  men,  or  spoilers  oc- 
cupy the  seat  of  guardians." 


25 

Study  of  Agriculture. 

"Complete^  regard  should  be  had  to  the  matter  ot 
agriculture.  This  matter  is  in  reality  endowed  with 
the  first  station." 


The  Abolition  of  Four  Laws  which  were  Practiced  by 
Some  of  the   Nations  and   Religions. 

"The  deniers  and  contradictors  hold  to  four  words: 

First:     Destroying  men's  lives. 
Second:     Burning  the  books. 
Third:     Shunning  other  nations. 
Fourth:     Exterminating  other  nations. 

Now,  by  the  Grace  and  Authority  of  the  Word  of 
God,  these  four  great  barriers  have  been  demolished. 
These  four  manifest  decrees  have  been  effaced  from 
the  Book,  and  God  hath  changed  brutal  manners  into 
spiritual  qualities." 

Causes  of  Difference  Abolished. 

*'0  ye  people  of  the  world!  The  virtue  of  this 
Most  Great  Manifestation  is  that  We  have  effaced 
from  the  Book  whatever  was  the  cause  of  difference, 
corruption  and  discord,  and  recorded  therein  that 
which  leads  to  Unity,  Harmony  and  Accord." 

Strife  and  Contest. 

"Strife  and  contest  were  and  are  seemly  in  the 
beasts  of  prey,  but  laudable  actions  are  seemly  in 
man." 


Newspapers. 
"The  pages  of  swiftly  appearing  newspapers  are 


26 

indeed  the  mirror  of  the  world;  they  display  the  do- 
ings and  actions  of  the  different  nations;  they  both 
Illustrate  them  and  cause  them  to  be  heard.  News- 
papers are  as  a  mirror  which  is  endowed  with  heal- 
ing, sight  and  speech;  they  are  a  wonderful 
phenomenon  and  a  great  matter.  But  it  behooveth 
the  writers  (editors,  et  al)  thereof  to  be  sanctified 
from  the  prejudice  of  egotism  and  desire  and  to  be 
adorned  with  the  ornament  of  Equity  and  Justice; 
they  must  inquire  into  matters  as  much  as  possible 
in  order  that  they  may  be  informed  of  the  real  facts 
and   commit  the   same   to   writing." 


Mashrak  El  Azkar. 

"Proclaim:  Verily  the  Mashrak  El  Azkar  will  be  a 
House  built  in  my  name  in  every  country  and  city. 
Verily  we  have  called  it  by  that  name,  were  you  of 
those  who  know." 


27 


SELECTIONS   FROM    THE   WRITINGS   OF  ABDUL 
BAH  A. 


The  Qualities  of  a  Bahai. 

**I  am  ever  anticipating  joyous  news  from  America,  '■ 
hoping  that  all  the  newspapers  and  journals  might 
write  of  the  Bahais  in  the  following  terms: 

"These  people  are  distinguished  in  all  qualities;  , 
they  have  pure  intentions;  they  are  truthful  to  all 
humanity;  they  are  trustworthy;  they  exercise  kind- 
ness toward  all  mankind;  and  with  heart  and  soul 
and  life  they  are  engaged  in  service;  they  depend 
upon  God;  they  are  severed  from  the  attachments  of 
this  world;  albeit  they  are  all  engaged  in  some  pro- 
fession or  work;  they  serve  real  civilization;  *in 
reality  they  are  civilized  people;  they  fear  nothing 
whatever;  night  and  day  their  thoughtful  attention 
is  devoted  to  philanthropic  deeds;  they  wish  no  harm 
to  any  one;  they  do  not  annoy  anybody;  they  put 
forth  efforts  in  general  philanthropy;  their  greatest 
and  highest  desire  is  that  bias  may  be  removed  from 
among  the  nations  and  sects  of  the  world;  that  all 
mankind  may  be  united  with  each  other;  that  all 
wars  and  battles  may  be  abolished  from  among  the 
nations  and  powers  of  the  world;  that  the  standard 
of  universal  peace  or  the  Most  Great  Peace  shall  be 
raised;  that  estrangement  may  cease  entirely;  that 
no  religious  fanaticism,  racial  or  patriotic  bias  shall 
exist,  for  all  are  the  creatures  of  God,  and  all  are 
the  signs  of  the  Power  of  God."  — ' 


The  Duties  of  the  Bahais. 

"In  short,  we  hope  that  the  beloved  of  God  may 
raise  the  standard  of  the  solidarity  of  mankind  in 
the  center  of  the  world;  that  all  nations  will  unite 
and  agree,  gather  together  under  the  Blessed  Banner, 
attaining  to  the  happiness  of  the  world  and  the  King- 
dom." 


28 

The  Attributes  of  a  Bahai. 

"Through  the  Protection  and  Help  of  the  Blessed 
Perfection,  you  must  conduct  and  deport  yourselves 
in  such  a  manner  that  you  may  stand  out  among 
other  souls  distinguished  hy  a  brilliancy  like  unto 
the  Sun.  If  any  one  of  you  enters  a  city  he  must 
become  the  center  of  attraction  because  of  the 
Sincerity,  Faithfulness,  Love,  Honesty,  Fidelity, 
Truthfulness  and  Loving  Kindness  of  his  disposition 
and  nature  toward  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world. 
That  the  people  of  the  city  may  all  cry  out:  'This 
person  is  unquestionably  a  Bahai.  For  his  manners, 
his  behavior,  his  conduct,  his  morals,  his  nature  and 
his  disposition  are  of  the  attributes  of  the  Bahais.' 
Until  you  do  attain  to  this  Station,  you  have  not  ful- 
filled the  Covenant  and  the  Testament  of  God." 

B'ihai  Admonitions. 

'The  Blessed  Perfection  has  freed  the  necks  from 
the  bonds  and  fetters  and  released  all  from  racial 
attachments  by  proclaiming — *Ye  are  all  the  fruits 
of  one  tree,  and  the  leaves  of  one  branch/  Be  ye 
kind  to  the  human  world,  and  be  ye  compassionate 
to  the  race  of  man.  Deal  with  the  strangers  as  you 
deal  with  the  friends.  Be  ye  gentle  toward  the  out- 
siders as  you  are  toward  the  beloved  ones.  Know 
the  enemy  as  the  friend,  look  upon  the  Satan  as  upon 
the  Angel,  receive  the  unjust  with  the  utmost  love 
like  unto  a  faithful  one,  and  diffuse  far  and  wide  the 
fragrances  of  the  Musk  of  the  gazelles  of  Kheta  and 
Khotan  to  the  nostrils  of  the  ravenous  wolves. 

Become  ye  a  shelter  and  asylum  to  the  fearful  ones. 
Be  ye  a  cause  of  tranquility  and  ease  to  the  souls 
and  hearts  of  the  agitated  ones.  Impart  ye  strength 
to  the  helpless  ones.  Become  ye  a  treasury  of  wealth 
to  the  indigent  ones.  Be  ye  a  remedy  and  antidote 
to  the  afflicted  ones;  and  a  physician  and  nurse  to 
the  sick  ones.  Serve  ye  for  the  promotion  of  Peace 
and  Concord,  and  establish  in  this  transitory  world 
the  foundation  of  Friendship,  Fidelity,  Reconciliation 
and  Truthfulness." 


29 
Counsels  to  the  Friends. 

"O  ye  friends  of  God!  Be  kind  to  all  peoples  and 
nations;  have  love  for  all  of  them;  exert  yourselves 
to  purify  the  hearts  as  much  as  you  can;  and  bestow 
abundant  effort  in  rejoicing  the  souls.  Be  ye  a 
sprinkling  of  rain  to  every  meadow  and  the  water  of 
life  to  every  tree.  Be  ye  as  fragrant  musk  to  every 
nostril  and  a  soul-refreshing  breeze  to  every  invalid. 
Be  ye  a  spring  to  every  thirsty  one,  a  wise  guide  to 
every  one  led  astray,  an  affectionate  father  or  moiiier 
to  every  orphan,  and  in  the  utmost  joy  and  fragrance, 
a  son  or  daughter  to  every  one  bent  with  age.  Be  ye 
a  rich  treasure  to  every  indigent  one;  consider  love 
and  union  as  a  delectable  paradise,  and  count  annoy- 
ance and  hostility  as  the  torment  of  hell-fire.  Exert 
with  your  soul;  seek  no  rest  in  body;  supplicate  and' 
beseech  with  your  heart  and  search  for  Divine  As- 
sistance and  Favor;  in  order  that  ye  may  make  this 
world  the  Paradise  of  Abha  and  this  terrestrial  globe 
the  Arena  of  the  Supreme  Kingdom.  If  ye  make  an 
effort,  it  is  certain  that  these  lights  shall  shine,  this 
cloud  of  mercy  shall  rain,  this  soul-nourishing  breeze 
shall  waft,  and  the  scent  of  this  most  fragrant  musk 
be  diffused. 

Shine  ye  like  unto  the  Sun  and  roar  and  move  like 
unto  the  Sea;  impart  life  to  mountain  and  desert 
like  unto  clouds;  and,  similar  to  the  vernal  breeze, 
bestow  freshness,  grace  and  elegance  to  the  trees 
of  human  temples." 


The  Bahai   Movement  and  its  Objects. 

"Praise  be  to  God  that  the  divine  cause  in  mis 
Bahai  dispensation  is  one  of  absolute  love  and  of 
pure  spirituality.  It  is  not  of  this  kingdom  the 
earth,  for  it  is  not  war  and  distress,  nor  the  oppres- 
sion of  one  people  by  another.  Its  army  is  the  love 
of  God,  its  victory  is  the  ecstacy  of  the  knowledge 
of  God;  its  battle  is  that  of  Truth,  the  exposition  of 
the  Word;  its  warfare  is  against  selfishness;  its 
patience  is   its   reserve;    its  entire   meekness   is  its 


30 

conquering  -power,  and  its  love  for  all  is  a  glory  for- 
evermore  .     In  a  word  it  is  a  spirit  and  it  is  love. 

"It  is  tor  us  to  consiaer  how  we  may  educate  men 
that  the  darkness  of  ignorance  and  heedlessness  may 
disappear  and  that  the  radiance  of  the  kingdom  may 
encompass  the  world;  that  the  nations  of  men  may 
be  delivered  from  selfish  ambition  and  strife,  and  be 
revivified  by  the  fragrance  of  God;  that  animosity 
and  hatred  may  be  dispersed  and  wholly  disappear, 
while  the  attracting  power  of  the  love  of  God  so 
completely  unites  the  hearts  of  men,  that  all  hearts 
beat  as  a  single  heart;  that  the  arteries  of  all  man- 
kind may  pulsate  with  the  love  of  God;  that  conten- 
tion and  war  may  utterly  pass  away,  while  peace 
and  reconciliation  lift  their  standard  in  the  midst  of 
the  earth  and  men  become  enamoured  of  one  an- 
other; that  the  joys  of  spirituality  may  prevail  over 
material  pleasure;  that  East  and  West  may  delight 
in  one  another  as  lovers,  and  North  and  South  em- 
brace each  other  in  closest  affection;  that  the  visible 
world  may  be  the  mirror  of  the  world  of  the  King- 
dom; that  the  image  of  the  Supreme  Concourse  may 
be  refiected  in  all  gatherings  of  men;  that  the  earth 
may  be  changed  into  the  paradise  of  the  uiorious 
One,  and  the  Divine  Jerusalem  embrace  the  terrestial 
giODe." 


Beware  of  Differences. 

"Beware!  Beware!  of  differences!  By  differences 
the  Temple  of  God  is  razed  to  its  very  foundation; 
and  by  the  blowing  of  the  winds  of  disagreement  the 
Blessed  Tree  is  prevented  from  producing  any  fruit. 
By  the  intense  cold  of  the  diversity  of  opinions  the 
rose  garden  of  Unity  is  withered  and  the  fire  of  the 
Love  of  God  is  extinguished." 


What  is  the  Quintessence  of  Truth? 

"The  quintessence  of  Truth  is  this:  We  must  all 
become  united  and  harmonized  in  order  to  illumine 


31 

this  gloomy  world;  to  abolish  the  foundations  of 
hostility  and  animosity  from  among  mankind;  to 
perfume  the  inhabitants  of  the  universe  with  the 
Holy  Fragrance  of  the  nature  and  disposition  of  the 
Beauty  of  Abha;  to  enlighten  the  people  of  the  East 
and  West  with  the  light  of  Guidance;  to  hoist  the 
tent  of  the  Love  of  God  and  suffer  each  and  all  to 
enter  under  its  Protection;  to  bestow  comfort  and 
tranquillity  to  every  one  under  the  shade  of  the 
Divine  Tree;  to  astonish  the  enemy  by  the  mani- 
festation of  the  utmost  love;  to  make  the  ravenous 
and  blood-thirsty  wolves  to  be  the  gazelles  of  the 
meadow  of  the  Love  of  God;  to  administer  the  taste 
of  nonresistance  to  the  tyrant;  to  teach  the  long- 
suffering  and  resignation  of  the  martyrs  to  the  mur- 
derer; to  spread  the  traces  of  Oneness,  to  chant  the 
praises  and  glorifications  of  the  Glorious  Lord;  to 
raise  the  voice  of  Ya  Baha-el  Abha  to  the  Supreme 
Apex  and  to  reach  the  ears  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Kingdom  with  the  outcry  *Verily  the  earth  is 
illumined  by  the  Lights  of  its  Lord.'  This  is  Reality! 
This  is  Guidance!  This  is  Service!  This  is  the  con- 
summation of  the  perfection  of  the  realm  of 
humanity." 

Baha'o'llah's   Teachings. 

"Baha'o'llah  made  the  utmost  efforts  to  educate 
(his  people)  and  incite  them  to  morality,  the  ^ac- 
quisition of  the  sciences  and  arts  of  all  countries, 
kindly  dealing  with  all  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
desire  for  the  welfare  of  all  peoples,  sociability,  con- 
cord, obedience,  courtesy,  instruction  of  (their) 
children,  production  of  what  is  needful  for  the  human 
race,  and  inauguration  of  true  happiness  for  man- 
kind." 


Happiness  and  Joy. 

"We  were  made  to  be  happy  and  not  sad;  for  joy, 
not  for  sorrow.  Happiness  is  life;  sadness  is  death; 
spiritual  happiness  is  eternal  life.    It  is  a  light  that 


32 

the  night  does  not  extinguish;  it  is  an  honor  that 
shame  does  not  follow,  an  existence  which  is  not 
resolved  into  annihilation!  For  happiness  the  worlds 
and  contingent  beings  have  been  created." 


Purify  the  Hearts. 

"The  hearts  should  be  purified  and  cleansed  from 
every  trace  of  hatred  and  rancor  and  enabled  to  en- 
gage in  truthfulness,  conciliation,  uprightness  and 
love  toward  the  world  of  humanity;  so  that  the  East 
and  the  West  may  embrace  each  other  like  unto  two 
lovers,  enmity  and  animosity  may  vanish  from  the 
human  world,  and  the  Universal  Peace  be  es- 
tablished." 


What  Constitutes  the  Happiness  of  IVIan. 

**The  glory,  happiness,  honor  and  peace  of  man  do 
not  consist  in  personal  wealth,  but  on  the  contrary, 
in  sublimity  of  soul,  nobility  of  resolution,  extension 
of  education  and  in  the  solution  of  the  problem  of 
life." 


Man  Should  be  a  Source  of  Weil  Being. 

"A  man  should  be  a  constant  source  of  well-being 
and  contentment,  and  a  ready  help  to  prosperity  for 
multitudes  of  people." 


Qualities  of  the  People  of  Faith. 

"The  sacred  qualities  of  the  people  of  Faith 
are  justice,  judgment,  long-suffering,  patience,  kind- 
liness, faithfulness,  sincerity,  fidelity,  love,  benevo- 
lence, zeal,  the  protection  of  others,  and  humanity." 


33 

The  True  Criterion  of  Knowledge. 

"Knowledge  and  wisdom,  purity  and  faithfulness 
and  freedom  of  the  soul,  have  not  been  and  are  not 
judged  by  outward  appearance  and  dress." 

Carnal   Desire. 

"Carnal  desire  is  like  a  fire  which  has  con- 
sumed a  hundred  thousand  edifices  built  up  by 
thoughtful  sages;  and  even  the  sea  of  their  sciences 
and  arts  has  not  been  able  to  put  out  this  blazing 
conflagration." 

Central  Aims  of  Morals. 

"There  is  this  condition  that  the  central  aims 
of  morals  should  be  wisdom  and  knowledge,  and  its 
controlling  idea  should  be  true  moderation." 

To  Discover  the  Reality  of  Things. 

"Discover  for  yourselves  the  reality  of  things,  and 
strive  to  assimilate  the  methods  by  which  the  means 
of  life,  of  well-being,  of  noble  mindedness  and  glory 
are  attained  among  the  nations  and  people  of  the 
world." 


Characteristics  of  Progress. 

"The  other  characteristics  of  progress  are,  the  fear 
of  God,  the  love  of  God  in  the  love  of  mankind  in 
general,  long  suffering,  steadfastness,  truth,  com- 
passion, generosity,  bravery,  boldness,  perseverance, 
activity,  purity,  cheerfulness,  modesty,  zeal,  resolu- 
tion, highmindedness,  the  cherishing  of  righteous- 
ness and  T'isdom,  intellect,  sobriety,  true  piety,  and, 
above  all,  the  fear  of  God  within  the  heart." 


34 
Need  of  Study  and  Thought. 

"There  is  urgent  need  of  widespread  thought  and 
study;  and  much  wisdom  and  discrimination  are  re- 
quired. Alas!  my  heart  swells  within  me  and  is  full 
.of  grief,  because  it  cannot  see  that  the  people  are 
devoting  their  care  and  energy  to  what  today  is 
worthy  of  both." 

Avoiding  the  People. 

"Even  as  avoiding  and  shunning  the 'company  of 
people  and  being  harsh  with  them  are  the  sure  means 
of  filling  them  with  fear,  so  are  love,  kindliness, 
humility  and  gentleness  the  truest  method  of  binding 
people's  souls  and  attracting  their  hearts." 

Study  Useful  Arts  and  Sciences. 

"The  first  thing  to  be  considered  in  every  art  before 
studying  it,  is  to  know  what  benefit  comes  from  that 
art,  and  what  fruit  and  result  can  be  obtained.  If 
a  universal  profit  accrues  to  the  majority  of  mankind 
from  useful  sciences  surely  a  man  should  exert  him- 
self to  study  them. with  his  whole  soul.  If  the  sole 
result  of  his  study  is  to  consist  in  useless  reasonings, 
following  after  the  imaginations  of  others,  and  be- 
coming a  center  of  quarrel  and  dispute  out  of  which 
no  one  can  derive  any  advantage — what  is  the  sense 
of  it,  why  should  a  man  spend  his  life  in  empty  dis- 
cussion and  argument?" 


Idleness. 

"He  who  remaineth  idle  and  indifferent,  and  con- 
tinueth  in  his  egoism,  indulging  constantly  his  carnal 
appetites,  descendeth  to  the  lowest  abyss  of  deg- 
radation and  ignorance.  Lower  is  he  than  the  most 
dangerous  of  savage  beasts.  For  it  is  written: 
'These  indeed  are  worse  than  brutes;  and  meaner 
than  cattle  in  the  sight  of  God.' " 


35 

Slothfulness  and  Negligence  Condemned. 

"Exalt  your  ambition  on  high,  and  make  your 
purposes  excelling!  How  long  will  ye  endure  in 
slotn?  How  long  in  negligence?  You  can  find 
nothing  to  be  gained  by  idleness,  except  despair  in 
this  world  and  the  next,  and  you  can  gain  nothing 
except  degradation  and  subjection  by  indulging  in 
ignorance  and  superstition,  and  listening  to  the  words 
of  the  thoughtless." 

Causes  of  Human  Comfort. 

"Therefore  must  we  gird  up  the  vesture  of  ambition 
round  the  loins  of  enthusiasm,  and  earnestly  strive 
to  seize  the  just  causes  of  comfort,  peace,  happiness, 
knowledge,  culture,  art,  honor,  glory,  for  the  benefit 
of  all." 


God  is  no  Respecter  of  Perso-ns. 

"All  are  servants  of  the  One  God — and  God  reigns 
over  all  and  has  pleasure  in  all  alike.  All  men  are  of 
one  family,  the  crown  of  humanity  rests  on  the  head 
of  each  man.  In  the  eyes  of  the  Creator  all  are  equal. 
He  is  kind  to  all,  He  does  not  favor  this  nation  or  that 
nation,  all  are  his  creatures.  If  this  is  so,  why  should 
w^e  divide  one  race  from  another,  creating  super- 
stitions, differences  hetween  one  people  and  an- 
other?" 


Absolute  Equality  Amongst  Men  is  Impossible. 

"Absolute  equality  amongst  men;  this  would  be  im- 
possible. There  is  needed  some  organization  which 
will  bring  about  an  order  in  this  disorder.  Absolute 
equality  is  a  mere  dream,  and  impracticable.  If  abso- 
lute equality  existed  the  whole  order  of  the  world 
would  be  destroyed.    In  mankind  there  is  always  a 


36 

difference  in  degree.  Since  Creation  men  have  never 
been  the  same.  Some  have  superior  intelligence, 
others  are  more  ordinary  and  some  are  devoid  of  in- 
tellect. How  can  there  ever  exist  equality  between 
those  who  are  clever  and  those  who  are  not?  Hu 
manity  is  like  an  army.  An  army  must  have  a  gen- 
eral, captains  and  soldiers,  each  with  their  appointed 
duties,  it  cannot  consist  of  generals  only,  or  captains, 
or  soldiers  only;  there  must  be  degrees  in  the 
orga(nization." 


Equality  of  Sexes. 

"If  women  were  educated  with  the  same  cud  vantages 
as  men,  their  capacity  is  the  same  and  the  result 
would  be  the  same;  in  fact  womdn  have  a  superior 
disposition  to  men,  they  are  more  receptive,  more 
sensitive,  their  intuition  is  more  intense.  The  ouly 
reason  of  their  present  backwardness  in  some  direc- 
tions is  because  they  have  not  had  the  same  educa- 
tional advantages  as  men. 

If  a  mother  is  well  educated^  her  children  will  also  be 
well  taught.  If  the  mother  is  wise,  the  children  will 
be  wise;  if  the  mother  is  religious,  the  children  wil' 
also  be  religious.  If  the  mother  is  a  good  woman, 
then  the  children  will  also  be  good.  The  future  gen- 
eration depends  then  on  the  mothers  of  today.  Is  not 
this  a  vital  position  of  responsibility  for  women? 

Surely  God  does  not  wish  such  an  important  instru- 
ment as  woman  to  be  less  perfect  than  she  is  able  to 
become!  Divine  Justice  demands  that  men  and 
:  women  should  have  equal  rights,  there  is  no  differ- 
ence between  them,  neither  sex  is  superior  to  tl.e 
other  in  the  Sight  of  God." 


The  World  is  Like  a  Man. 

"The  world  is  like  the  body  of  man — it  has  become 
sick,  feeble  and  infirm.  Its  eye  is  devoid  of  s«ghl,  its 
ear  has  become  destitute  of  hearing  and  its  faculties 


37 

of  sense  are  entirely  dissolved.  The  friends  of  Goi 
must  become  as  wise  physicians  and  care  for  and  heal 
this  sick  person,  in  accord  with  the  Divine  Teachings, 
in  order  that  it  may  perchance  gain  health,  find  eter- 
nal healing  and  that  its  lost  powers  may  be  restored; 
and  that  the  person  of  the  world  may  find  such 
health,  freshness  and  purity  that  it  will  appear  in  the 
utmost  beauty  and  charm." 


The  Station  of  Wise  iVlen. 

"Wise  men  are  as  guiding  lamps  to  the  people. 
They  are  the  stars  of  felicity  in  the  horizon  of  tribes 
and  nations;  they  are  the  Salsabil  of  life  for  the  souls 
dead  in  ignorance  and  folly;  and  for  those  who  wan- 
der and  thirst  in  the  wilderness  of  want  they  are  a 
fresh  spring  of  cooling  water.  They,  indeed,  have  the 
truths  of  God's  glorious  Books,  and  are  a  living  proof 
of  the  Unity  of  the  Divine  Spirit;  to  the  diseased  body 
of  the  world,  they  are  skillful  physicians,  and  are  a 
true  antidote  to  the  poisoned  soul  of  mankind.  They 
are  as  an  impregnable  fortress  protecting  the  world 
of  humanity,  and  a  sure  refuge  for  those  disturbed 
and  disquieted  by  the  forces  of  darkness  and  ignor- 
ance." 


Religious  Ministers. 

"Those  great  ministers  who  placed  God's  will  be- 
fore their  own  have  been  burning  lamps  of  science 
among  men  of  learning;  they  employ  their  wisdom 
for  the  general  good  of  their  countrymen.  They 
prove  themselves  worthy  examples  of  honest  and  vir- 
tuous endeavour,  and  with  small  hope  of  reward  give 
their  lives  to  the  increase  of  public  good.  In  their 
wisdom  they  deliver  just  ordinances  to  the  people, 
setting  the  palm  of  peace  among  the  nations;  thus 
they  attain  the  highest  pinnacle  of  the  mountain  of 
glory  and  honor.  Likewise  the  learned  and  famous 
Ministers,  the  repository  of  sound  doctrine,  and  the 


38 

wielders  of  the  strong  handle  of  piety  and  of  the  fear 
of  God,  place  their  trust  in  Him,  and  hold  fast  to  the 
garment  of  salvation;  and  the  mirror  of  their 
thoughts  is  adorned  with  the  signs  of  sublime 
realities,  and  reflect  the  sun  of  universal  knowledge. 
So  they  are  diligently  engaged,  both  night  and  day,  in 
acquiring  useful  sciences  and  teaching  and  educating 
their  chosen  pupils." 


The  Golden  Rule  of  Justice. 

"Friends  of  Grod,  set  forth  the  example  of  Justice? 
Justice  i6  a  Universal  Quality.  From  the  highest 
to  the  lowest.  Justice  should  be  sacred;  from  the  sov- 
ereign to  the  merchant,  the  Minister  of  State  to  the 
artisan,  all  must  be  just.  Be  just,  respect  the  rights 
of  each  man,  *do  unto  others  what  you  would  have 
them  do  unto  you.'  A  workman  who  commits  an  in- 
justice is  as  much  to  blame  as  a  tyrant.  Each  one 
of  us  can  choose  between  justice  and  injustica 

I  hope  you  will  be  just  in  your  relations  with 
others,  that  you  will  never  harm  your  fellows,  that 
you  will  respect  the  rights  of  all  men,  and  above  all, 
consider  the  rights  of  others  before  your  own." 


Enactment  of  Laws  by  the   House  of  Justice. 

"The  Universal  Principles  which  are  the  founda- 
dation  of  the  Religion  of  God  are  laid  down,  but 
the  making  of  specific  laws  which  are  the  sub- 
divisions and  ramifications  is  apportioned  to  the 
House  of  Justice.  The  wisdom  of  this  is  that  this 
world  never  moves  for  a  long  period  in  one  form. 
The  House  of  Justice  will  make  laws  applicable  to 
the  exigencies  and  requirements  of  the  time.  Its 
members  will'  not  form  institutions  according  to 
their  own  opinion  and  thought.  The  Most  Great 
House  of  Justice  enacts  laws  and  statutes  by  the 
power  of  inspiration  and  confirmation  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  and  is  under  the  protection  of  God." 


30 

Wisdom  and  Justice. 

"There  are  two  great  Banners  which  overshadow 
the  crown  of  every  sovereign;  the  first  is  that  of 
Wisdom,  the  second  that  of  Justice,  which  iron  moun- 
tains cannot  resist  and  which  the  'Wall  of  Alex- 
ander' will  be  powerless  to  stand  against.  With 
perfect  ease  will  they  penetrate  into  the  states,  the 
pillars  of  the  world." 

Public  Weal. 

"How  noble  and  excellent  is  man,  if  he  only  attains 
to  that  state  for  which  he  was  designed.  And  how 
mean  and  contemptible,  if  he  close  his  eyes  to  the 
public  weal,  and  spend  his  precious  capacities  on  per- 
sonal and  selfish  ends.  The  greatest  happiness  lies 
in  the  happiness  of  others." 


General  Prosperity. 

"There  can  be  no  true  satisfaction  or  contentment 
apart  from  the  general  prosperity." 


Tlie    Highest   Deeds   are   to   Work   in   the    Pubfic    In- 
terests. 

"We  ask  what  deeds  in  the  world  could  be  greater 
than  working  in  the  public  interests?  Can  any 
higher  career  be  imagined  than  this,  that  a  man 
should  devote  himself  to  the  cause  of  the  education, 
progress,  glory  and  prosperity  of  the  servants  of 
God?  No,  in  God's  name!  It  is  the  greatest  of  pious 
deeds  that  the  blessed  souls  should  take  hold  of 
them  that  are  powerless  by  the  hands,  and  deliver 
them  from  ignorance,  degradation  and  poverty,  and 
filled  with  sincere  purpose  for  the  sake  of  God, 
should  gird  up  the  loins  of  their  ambition  in  the 
service  of  all  people,  forgetting  their  own  worldly 
advantage  and   striving  for  the  common  good.    As 


40 

it  is  written:  "And  prefer  others  over  thyself,  even 
though  there  be  poverty  amongst  them;  the  best  of 
men  are  those  who  do  good  to  their  fellows,  and  the 
worst  are  those  who  do  harm  to  them." 


Blessed    is    the    Man    Who    Forgets    His    Own    Self- 
interest. 

"Blessed  is  the  man  who  forgets  his  own  self- 
interest,  like  the  Beloved  Ones  of  the  Threshold  of 
God,  and  throws  the  ball  of  resolution  onto  the  race 
ground  of  the  common  interest!  Thus  by  the  divine 
bounty  and  heavenly  assistance,  he  will  cause  the 
glorious  nation  again  to  attain  the  Zenith  of  its  for- 
mer Grandeur,  and  these  desolate  regions  to  become 
refreshed  by  new  life!  So  that,  as  the  Nature-renew- 
ing Spring,  he  will  give  to  the  trees  of  Human  souls 
the  Holy  blessings  of  spiritual  leaves,  flowers  and 
fruits!" 


The  Causes  of   Disunion. 

"The  differences  in  languages  cause  disunion  be- 
tween nations.  There  must  be  one  universal  auxiliary 
language.  The  diversity  of  Faiths  is  also  a  cause  of 
separation.  The  true  foundations  of  all  faiths  must 
be  established,  the  outer  differences  abolished. 
There  must  be  a  Oneness  of  Faith,  i^m  end  all  these 
differences  is  a  very  hard  task." 


^•^^^ 


Differences  Between  Nations  to  Disappear. 

"It  is  God's  will  that  the  differences  between 
nations  should  disappear.  Those  who  help  the 
cause  of  Unity,  are  doing  God's  work.  Unity  is  the 
Divine  Bounty  of  this  brilliant  century.  Praise 
be  to  God  there  are  many  Societies  and  many  meet- 
ings  held   for   Unity.     Hatred    is   not   so    much   the 


41 

cause  of  separation  now  as  it  used  to  be;  the  cause 
of   disunion   now   is   mostly   prejudice." 


Unity  of  Mankind. 

''When  one  family  is  well  united,  great  results  are 
obtained.  If  this  circle  of  unity  be  widened  so  as 
to  include  and  control  the  interests  of  an  entire  vil- 
lage to  the  extent  that  all  the  members  of  its  pop- 
ulation are  fully  united  and  in  perfect  accord,  the 
results  will  be  proportionately  greater;  the  fruits 
thereof  will  be  accordingly. 

"Now  widen  the  circle  again!  Let  a  city  be  united 
and  the  results  will  be  still  greater.  Widen  the 
circle  yet  more  and  have  the  people  of  a  country 
united;  then,  indeed,  important  results  shall  be  forth- 
coming. And  if  a  Continent  is  fully  united  and  will 
unite  all  the  other  Continents,  then  is  the  time  when 
the  greatest  result  shall  be  obtained. 

"Now  consider,  if  Spiritual  Unity  be  accomplished, 
what  results  will  be  forthcoming!  If  souls  who  are 
sons  of  the  Kingdom  be  united,  great  shall  be  the 
results.  Then  the  Divine  Confirmations  will  become 
fully  established,  and  their  hearts  and  spirits  will 
attain  a  remarkable  illumination." 


Different  Uniting  Powers. 

"The  existent  world  needs  a  uniting  power  to  con,- 
nect  nations.  There  are  various  uniting  powers  in 
the  world.  One  is  patriotism,  as  in  America, 
where  people  from  different  countries  have  united 
and  made  a  nation.  Another  means  of  union  is  war, 
as  when  two  nations  unite  to  make  war  upon  a  third. 
A  third  uniting  power  is  self-benefit,  as  is  seen  in 
trade  and  commerce.  A  fourth  means  of  union  is 
that  furnished  by  ideals,  different  nations  or  differ- 
ent peoples  having  one  aim  or  intention  unite.  All 
these  uniting  powers  are  ineffective  and  perishable; 


42 

the  only  uniting  power  which  can  connect  all  hearts 
and  last  forever  is  faith  in  God  and  love  for  him. 
This  is  the  only  enduring  power,  the  one  that  never 
perishes." 


Universal   Unity. 

"It  is  plain  and  manifest  that  the  surest  means 
towards  the  well-being  and  prosperity  of  men,  and 
towards  the  highest  object  of  civilization,  the  liberty 
of  the  citizen,  are  love  and  friendsnip  and  tne  most 
intimate  union  between  all  individuals  of  the  human 
race.  Nothing  in  the  world  can  be  imagined  or  ren- 
dered easy  without  union  and  agreement;  ana  tue 
true  divine  religion  is  the  most  perfect  cause  of 
friendship  and  union  in  the  worla." 


Peace  the  IVIost  Important  Problem  of  the  Age. 

"Today  in  the  world  of  existence  there  is  no  more 
important  and  greater  cause  than  this  Peace  Move- 
ment, for  it  is  conducive  to  the  promotion  of  happi- 
ness in  the  commonwealth  of  humanity  and  is  the 
cause  of  tranquility  of  all  the  nations  and  countries 
and  the  prosperity  of  the  individuals  of  the  human 
world.  What  cause  is  greater  than  this?  It  is  evi- 
dent that  it  has  the  utmost  importance,  nay,  rather, 
it  will  be  the  cause  of  the  illumination  of  the  East 
and  the  West  and  the  reason  for  the  manifestation 
of  the  Countenance  and  the  Face  of  God  in  the  world 
of  humanity  and  the  appearance  of  infinite  affections." 


International     Peace    Taught     by     Baha'o'llah    Sixty 
Years  Ago. 

"The  matter  of  international  peace  was  instituted 
by  His  Highness,  Baha'o'llah,  sixty  years  ago  in 
Persia  in  the  year  1851,  A.  D.  From  that  time  in- 
numerable epistles  and  tablets  were  spread  first  in 


43 

Persia  and  then  in  other  parts  of  the  world,  until 
about  fifty  years  ago  He  clearly  stated  this  matter 
of  universal  peace  in  the  Book  of  Akdas  and  has 
commanded  all  the  Bahais  to  serve  faithfully  with 
heart  and  soul  in  this  great  cause,  give  up  their 
possessions  and  wealth  for  it  and  sacrifice  their 
lives  in  case  of  necessity.  He  has  taught  them  to 
spread  the  unity  of  nations  and  religions  and  pro- 
claim in  all  the  regions  of  the  world  the  oneness 
of  the  kingdom  of  humanity." 


Internationa!   Arbitration. 

"About  fifty  years  ago  in  the  Book  of  Akdas,  Baha- 
'o'-llah  commanded  the  people  to  establish  the  Uni- 
versal Peace  and  summoned  all  the  nations  to  the 
Divine  Banquet  of  International  Arbitration  so  that 
the  questions  of  boundaries,  of  national  honor  and 
property  and  of  vital  interests  between  nations  might 
be  decided  by  an  arbitral  court  of  justice;  and  that  no 
nation  dare  to  refuse  to  abide  by  their  decisions.  If 
any  quarrel  arise  between  two  nations  it  must  be 
adjudicated  by  this  international  court  and  be  arbi- 
trated and  decided  upon  like  the  judgment  rendered 
by  the  judge  between  individuals.  If  at  any  time 
any  nation  dares  to  break  such  a  treaty  all  the  other 
nations  must  arise  to  put  down  this  rebellion." 


The  Pursuit  of  the  Art  of  Peace  Instead  of  War. 

"How  many  thousands  of  men  there  are,  who,  in- 
stead of  devoting  themselves  to  the  useful  arts  of 
peace,  are  daily  employing  their  keenness  and  indus- 
try to  the  invention  of  new  deadly  instruments  .of 
war,  which  are  to  be  the  means  of  shedding  the  blood 
of  their  fellow-creatures  with  greater  facility  and 
profusion!  Every  day  some  such  new  and  deadly 
weapon  is  being  invented  and,  as  the  old  ones  can- 
not  compete   with   the   new,   the   European   govern- 


44 

ments  are  constantly  being  obliged  to  abandon  the 
older  fashioned  armaments  and  to  make  ready  new 
ones." 


Establishment  of  the  Court  of  Arbitration. 

"Yea,  the  true  civilization  will  raise  its  banner  in 
the  center  of  the  world,  when  some  noble  kings  of 
high  ambitions,  the  bright  Suns  of  the  world  of 
humanitarian  enthusiasm,  shall,  for  the  good  ana 
happiness  of  all  the  human  race,  step  forth  with 
firm  resolution  and  keen  strength  of  mind  and  hold 
a  conference  on  the  question  of  universal  peace; 
when  keeping  fast  hold  of  the  means  of  enforcing 
their  views  they  shall  establish  a  union  of  the  states 
of  the  world,  and  conclude  a  definite  treaty  and  strict 
alliance  between  them  upon  conditions  not  to  be 
evaded.  When  the  whole  human  race  had  been  con- 
sulted through  their  representatives  and  invited  to 
corroborate  this  treaty  which  verily  would  be  ac- 
counted sacred  by  all  the  peoples  of  the  earth,  it 
would  be  the  duty  of  the  united  powers  of  the  world 
to  see  that  this  great  treaty  should  be  strengthened 
and  should  endure." 


Establishing  Universal  Treaties  between  Nations. 

"In  such  a  universal  treaty  the  limits  of  the  bor- 
ders and  boundaries  of  every  state  should  be  fixed, 
and  the  customs  and  laws  of  every  government;  all 
the  agreements  and  the  affairs  of  state  and  the  ar- 
rangements between  the  various  governments  should 
be  propounded  and  settled  in  due  form;  the  size  of 
the  armaments  for  each  government  should  like- 
wise be  definitely  agreed  upon,  because  if  in  the 
case  of  any  state  there  were  to  be  an  increase  iv 
the  preparation  for  war,  it  would  be  a  cause  of  alarni 
to  the  other  states.  At  any  rate  the  basis  of  this 
powerful  alliance  should  be  so  fixed  that,  if  one  of 


45 

the  states  afterwards  broke  any  of  the  articles  of 
it,  the  rest  of  the  nations  of  the  world  would  rise 
up  and  destroy  it.  Yea,  the  whole  human  race 
would   band   its  forces  together  to   exterminate  it." 


International   Police. 

"If  so  great  a  remedy  should  be  applied  to  the 
sick  body  of  the  world,  it  would  certainly  be  the 
means  of  continually  and  permanently  healing  its 
illness  by  the  inculcation  of  universal  moderation. 
Reflect  that,  under  such  conditions  of  life,  no 
Government  or  Kingdom  would  need  to  prepare 
and  accumulate  war  materials,  or  would  need  to 
pay  heed  to  the  invention  of  new  weapons  of  offense 
for  the  vexation  and  hurt  of  mankind.  On  the  con- 
trary, they  would  only  require  a  few  soldiers,  as 
a  means  of  assuring  the  safety  of  the  state  and  pun- 
ishing the  wicked  and  rebellious  and  preventing  the 
growth  of  civil  sedition.  Not  more  than  these  few 
would  be  needed." 


Man  to  Devote  His  Time  to   Useful  Arts  and  Crafts 
Instead  of  War. 

"In  the  first  place,  therefore,  the  servants  of  God — 
that  is  to  say,  all  the  inhabitants  of  a  state — would 
be  freed  from  bearing  the  burden  of  the  tremendous 
expense  of  an  army:  in  the  second,  the  many  persons 
who  now  devote  their  lives  to  the  invention  of 
fresh  instruments  of  war  would  no  longer  waste 
their  time  upon  such  work,  which  but  encourages 
ferocity  and  bloodthirstiness,  and  is  repugnant  to 
the  universal  ideal  of  humanity — on  the  contrary, 
they  would  then  employ  their  natural  gifts  in  the 
cause  of  the  general  well-being  and  would  contribute 
towards  the  peace  and  salvation  of  mankind.  All  the 
rulers  of  the  world  will  then  be  settled  on  peaceful 
thrones  amid  the  glory  of  a  perfect  civilization,  and 


46 

all  the  nations  and  peoples  will  rest  in  the  cradle  of 
peace  and  comfort." 


Some    Persons    Think    the    Realization    of    Universal 
Peace  is  Impossible. 

"Some  persons  who  are  ignorant  of  the  world  of 
true  humanity  and  its  high  ambitions  for  the  general 
good,  reckon  such  a  glorious  condition  of  life  to  be 
very  difficult,  nay  rather  imposible  to  compass.  But 
it  is  not  so.  Far  from  it.  For  by  the  grace  of  God, 
and  by  the  testimony  of  the  Beloved,  those  near  the 
threshold  of  the  Creator,  and  by  the  incomparably  » 
high  ambitions  of  the  souls  that  are  perfect, 
and  the  thoughts  and  opinions  of  the  wisest  men  of 
the  age,  there  never  has  been  and  is  not  now  any- 
thing improbable  and  impossible  in  existence.  What 
are  required  are  the  most  resolved  determination  and 
the  most  ardent  enthusiasm.  How  many  things 
which  in  ancient  times  were  regarded  as  impossibili- 
ties, of  such  a  kind  that  the  intellect  could  hardly 
conceive  them,  we  now  perceive  to  have  become 
quite  simple  and  easy!  Why  then  should  this  great 
and  important  matter  of  universal  peace,  which  is 
verily  the  sun  amongst  the  lights  of  civilization,  the 
cause  of  honor,  freedom  and  salvation  for  all,  be  con- 
sidered as  something  improbable  of  realization?" 


Causes  of  the  Honor  and  the  Greatness  of  Man. 

"It  is  evident  that  the  honor  and  greatness  of  man 
have  not  arisen  through  bloodthirstiness,  the  des- 
truction of  cities  and  kingdoms,  the  ruining  and 
murdering  of  armies  and  peoples.  On  the  contrary 
the  cause  of  highmindednes  and  prosperity  is  based 
upon  the  cherishing  of  justice  and  the  sympathy  of 
one's  fellow-citizens,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest, 
upon  building  up  the  kingdom,  the  cities  and  villages, 
the  suburbs  and  the  country,  and  upon  the  freedom 


47 

and  quiet  of  the  servants  of  God  in  laying  down  the 
foundations  of  the  principles  of  progress  and  in  the 
extension  of  the  common  weal,  the  increase  of  wealth 
'and   general   prosperity." 


Some  Wars  in  the  Past  have  Been  the  Foundation  of 
Peace. 

"Yea,  the  expansion  of  the  world  and  the  subduing 
thereof  is  praised;  yea,  even  war  is  sometimes 
the  great  foundation  of  peace,  and  destroying  is  the 
cause  of  rebuilding.  If,  for  example,  a  great  sovereign 
should  wage  war  against  a  threatening  foe,  or  for  the 
unification  of  the  v/hole  body  of  people  and  divided 
kingdom  he  may  urge  the  steed  of  resolution  into  the 
race  course  of  bravery  and  courage;  in  short,  this  war 
may  be  essentially  attuned  to  the  melodies  of  peace; 
and  then  verily  this  fury  is  kindness  itself  and  this 
opposition  is  the  essence  of  justice  itself  and  this  war 
is  the  source  of  reconciliation.  Today,  the  true  duty 
of  a  powerful  king  is  to  establish  a  universal  peace; 
for  verily  it  signifies  the  freedom  of  all  the  people  of 
the  world." 


Capital  and  Labor. 

''Some  are  too  rich,  some  are  too  poor,  some  have 
millions  and  some  have  nothing.  An  organization  is 
necessary  to  control  this  state  of  affairs.  It  is  neces- 
sary to  limit  riches  and  it  is  necessary  to  limit 
poverty.  Either  extreme  is  wrong.  There  should  be 
a  medium  state.  If  it  is  right  for  a  capitalist  to 
possess  a  great  fortune,  then  it  is  also  just  that  a 
laborer  should  have  jueans  of  existance.  If  poverty 
is  allowed  to  reach  a  condition  of  starvation  it  proves 
that  there  is  a  tyranny.  Men  must  see  that  this  does 
not  happen  in  any  case.  There  must  be  special  laws. 
The  rich  must  give  of  their  plenty.  If  they  have 
more  than  they  need  they  must  think  of  those  who 
are  in  want." 


48 
Economic  Laws  are  Needed. 

"The  Government  of  a  Country  should  make  laws 
which  conform  to  the  Divine  Law.  The  Law  of  God 
exacts  that  there  should  be  neither  excessive  wealth 
nor  excessive  poverty/' 


Interference  with  the  Religious  Beliefs  of  the  People 
Not  Allowed. 

"Interference  with  the  religion  and  faith  in  every 
country  causes  manifest  detriment,  while  justice  and 
equal  dealing  towards  all  peoples  on  the  face  of  the 
earth  are  the  means  whereby  progress  is  effected." 


The  Conscience  of  Man  is  Sacred. 

"The  conscience  of  man  is  sacred  and  to  be  re- 
spected; and  liberty  thereof  produces  widening 
of  ideas,  amendment  of  morals,  improvement  of  con- 
duct, disclosure  of  the  secrets  of  creation,  and  mani- 
festation of  the  hidden  verities  of  the  contingent 
world." 


Religion   and   Science. 

"Religion  is  the  basis  of  the  happiness  of  the 
world  of  humanity.  Merciful  attributes  are  the  best 
adornments  for  man.  Science  holds  the  next  position 
to  Religion.  Science  is  conducive  to  the  happiness  of 
the  world  of  humanity  next  in  degree  to  Religion. 
If  a  nation  be  well  qualified  with  education  and  yet 
dispossessed  of  good  morals,  it  will  not  attain  happi- 
ness. If  that  same  nation  be  dispossessed  of  educa- 
tion, but  possessed  of  moral  training,  it  will  be 
capable  of  accomplishing  philanthrophic  deeds.  When 
Religion  and  Science  go  hand  in  hand,  then  will  it  be 
light  upon  light" 


49 

The  Need  of  the  Political  Realm. 

*'Two  things  are  most  necessary  to  the  political 
realm: 

I.  The  Legislative  Power. 

II.  The  Executive  Power. 

"The  center  of  the  executive  power  is  the  govern- 
ment, and  the  legislative  power  lies  in  the  hands  of 
thoughtful  and  wise  men.  On  the  other  hand,  if  these 
strong  pillars  and  firm  foundations  aire  not  complete 
and  comprehensive,  how  can  it  be  supposed  thart:  there 
will  be  safety  and  salvation  for  the  nation?  Thus  it 
is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  establish  an  assembly 
of  learned  men,  who,  being  proficient  in  the  different 
sciences  and  capable  of  dealing  with  all  the  present 
and  future  requirements  will  settle  the  questions  in 
ajccordance  with  forbearance  and  firmness." 


Observance  of  Justice. 

"The  characteristic  of  progress  and  self -perfecting 
consists  in  the  observance  of  justice  and  righteous- 
ness." 


Public  Education. 

"Another  characteristic  of  progress  consists  in 
the  earnest  and  sincere  development  of  public  educa- 
tion, in  the  teaching  of  all  the  useful  sciences  and  in 
encouraging  the  people  to  adopt  the  modern  inven- 
tions, in  extending  the  spheres  of  the  arts  and  com- 
merce, and  endeavoring  to  induce  them  to  adopt 
the  methods  by  which  the  country  may  be  enriched." 


How  Wealth  Should  be  Used. 

^*Yea    v©rily,    wealth    and    riches    are    worthy    of 


50 

praise  if  they  be  justly  partitioned  amongst  the  na- 
tion, but  if  some  few  be  possesed  of  great  riches,  and 
many  be  reduced  to  poverty,  then  is  the  rich  man's 
gold  deprived  of  all  its  worth.  But  if  great  wealth 
be  employed  in  the  propagation  of  science,  in  the 
establishment  of  schools  and  colleges,  in  the  nurture 
of  arts,  and  in  the  education  of  orphans  and  the  care 
of  the  needy,  in  brief,  for  the  public  benefit,  then 
shall  its  possessor  be  accounted  great,  both  in  the 
sight  of  God  and  man." 


Earning  of  Wealth. 

N 

"Riches  are  earned  by  personal  effort  with  Divine 
assistance,  in  various  trades,  agriculture  and  the 
arts,  and,  rightly  administered,  are  justly  deserving 
of  praise,  forasmuch  as  if  a  wise  and  discerning 
man  acquire  them,  they  become  a  ready  means  of 
benefit  to  the  state." 


Public  Instruction. 

"It  is  most  clear  and  manifest  that  national  affairs 
wjll  never  revolve  around  their  proper  axis  until  the 
whole  people  have  received  instruction,  and  public 
thought  has  been  directed  to  a  single  end." 


Promotion  of  Education. 

"The  most  important  of  all  the  matters  in  question, 
and  that  with  which  it  is  most  specially  necessary 
to  deal  effectively,  is.  the  promotion  of  education." 


Education  the  Cause  of  Freedom. 

"No  freedom  or  salvation  could  be  imagined  in 
the  case  of  any  nation  which  had  not  progressed 
in  this  greatest  and  most  important  point;   just  as 


51 

the  greatest  cause  of  degradation  and  decadency  of 
every  nation  is  bigotry  and  ignorance." 


Compulsory   Education. 

"If  necessary,  make  this  even  compulsory,  for  not 
until  the  veins  and  tendons  of  the  nation  stir  with  life, 
will  any  study  and  adoption  of  improvements  be  of 
any  avail,  because  the  nation  is  like  unto  the  body, 
zeal  and  resolution  are  like  unto  the  soul,  so  that  the 
soulless  body  cannot  move." 


National  Academy. 

"Certainly,  if  it  were  possible  to  gather  together 
the  vigorous  intellects  and  the  far-seeing  talents  of 
the  most  eminent  men  in  the  country,  as  well  as  the 
perseverance  and  enthusiasm  of  the  most  prominent 
statesmen  and  the  persuasive  strength  of  the  most 
intelligent  and  competent  persons,  who  have  knowl- 
edge of  the  great  laws  governing  political  affairs; 
and  if  with  united  endeavor  and  steadfastness  they 
were  to  consider  and  discuss  both  the  highest  gen- 
eral principles  and  the  smallest  details;  then  per- 
haps, as  the  result  of  fruitful  and  righteous  delibera- 
tion, there  might  be  a  general  improvement  in  some 
of  the  national  concerns.  But  the  counsellors  would. 
in  most  instances,  be  obliged  to  learn  from  other 
countries,  because,  during  several  centuries,  millions 
of  people  lived  and  died,  before  the  elements  of 
modern  progress  came  into  existence." 


It  is  Right  to  Learn   From  Other  Nations. 

"It  is  as  clear  as  noonday  that  it  is  lawful  to  ac- 
nuire  knowledge  and  the  art  of  right  government 
from  foreign  nations,  so  the  public  attention  may  be 
directed  to  these  important  questions  and  that  these 


52 
methods  of  reform  may  be  made  publicly  known,  and 
that,  in  a  short  period,  by  God's  help,  the  prudent 
nation  may  become, chief  amongst  peoples." 


Principles  of  True  Civilization. 

"No  one  must  wonder  at  these  statements,  for  the 
chief,  nay,  the  universal  purpose  of  establishing  by 
great  laws  the  principles  and  foundations  of  all  kinds 
of  civilization,  is  the  happiness  of  human  beings;  and 
human  happiness  lies  in  being  near  to  the  'Thres- 
hold of  the  Almighty  God,'  and  in  the  well-being  of 
all  persons,  whether  of  high  or  low  station.  And 
the  perfecting  of  the  morals  of  humanity  is  the 
chief  means  towards  those  ends.  The  outward  trap- 
pings of  civilization,  without  inward  moral  advance- 
ment, may  be  likened  unto  confused  dreams  which 
cannot  be  interpreted;  and  sensual  enjoyment,  apart 
from  spiritual  perfection,  is  like  unto  the  mirage 
which  he  that  is  athirst  believes  to  be  water.  For, 
the  fulfilling  of  the  will  and  pleasure  of  God,  and 
the  advancement  of  the  peace  and  well-being  of  the 
people  cannot  be  perfectly  achieved  by  external  civ- 
ilization alone." 


The  Press  to  Advocate  Ail-Embracing  Good. 

"A  man  begins  with  a  little  selfish  view  of  Good 
limited  to  himself;  after  a  time,  he  learns  more  wis- 
dom and  his  view  of  Good  enlarges  to  his  own  house- 
hold. Then,  with  more  wisdom  comes  the  realiza- 
tion that  Good  must  include  his  family,  no  matter 
how  large.  Again  more  wisdom,  and  his  family  be- 
comes his  village,  his  village  his  city,  and  in  turn, 
his  city  his  country.  But  this  is  not  enough;  as  his 
wisdom  grows,  his  country  becomes  his  continent, 
and  his  continent  the  world;  his  family  has  become 
mankind.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Press  to  teach  this 
wisdom  to  mankind,  for  it  is  the  wisdom  of  God.  It 
Is  the  work  of  a  tru«  Press  to  teach  this  wisdom  of 
God." 


S3 

Good  and   Bad  Newspapers* 

"Those  newspapers  which  strive  to  sp^ak  onlf  that 
which  is  truth,  which  hold  the  mirror  up  to  truth, 
are  like  the  sun,  they  light  the  world  everywhere 
with  truth  and  their  work  is  imperishable.  Those 
who  play  for  their  own  little  selfish  ends  give  no 
true  light  to  the  world  and  perish  of  their  own  futility. 
How  were  people  to  know  the  truth  if  it  was  veiled 
from  them  in  their  journals?" 

Attributes  of  the  Members  of  Legislative  Bodies. 

"Firstly:  The  elected  members  must  be  God- 
fearing, high-minded  and  followers  of  the  law. 

"Secondly:  They  should  have  an  accurate  know!* 
edge  of  the  Divine  Commandments,  of  the  most  im- 
portant fundamental  matters  and  of  the  rules  of  the 
loosing  and  binding  of  domestic  affairs  and  foreign 
relations;  they  should  possess  a  knowledge  of  the 
sciences  and  arts,  necessary  to  civilization,  and  finally 
be  contented  with  the  income  derived  from  their 
personal  property." 

Disastrous    Results    in    Case   the    Members   of    Legis- 
lative Bodies  are  Ignorant. 

"But  if,  on  the  contrary,  the  members  are  mean, 
ignorant,  having  no  knowledge  of  political  economy, 
wanting  in  ambition,  lacking  in  zeal,  foolish,  sloth- 
ful, and  seeking  their  personal  or  private  advantages, 
then  no  good  can  possibly  result  from  Assemblies 
so  formed.  Whereas,  in  former  times,  a  poor  man 
had  to  give  a  gratuity  to  one  individual  in  order  to 
obtain  his  rights,  he  might  now  be  obliged  to  satisfy 
the  demands  of  the  entire  body." 


The  Establishment  of  National  Parliament. 

"It   is   clearly   shown   that   establishment  of   such 


54 

assemblies  will  lead  to  justice  and  piety.  Of  this 
there  can  be  no  doubt.  But  what  can  bring  the  pur- 
poses of  the  Ministers  and  elected  members  to  light? 
If  they  be  men  of  sincere  intention,  good  results  and 
unexpected  improvements  should  certainly  follow, 
as  a  natural  consequence;  but  if,  on  the  other  hand, 
they  are  unworthy  of  their  trust,  evil  results  must 
ensue." 


Election  of  the  Members  of  Legislative  Bodies. 

''It  seems  to  me,  right,  that  the  election  of  tem- 
porary members  of  the  assemblies  of  the  kingdom 
should  depend  upon  the  choice  and  satisfaction  of  the 
public,  for  members  elected  by  the  people  are  pledged 
to  carry  out  their  will,  and  to  follow  out  their  in- 
structions." 


Qualifications  of  the  Officers  of  State. 

"The  ministers,  and  even  the  lowest  officers  of 
state,  must  be  completely  purified  from  all  suspicion, 
and  must  assume  the  garment  of  chastity,  and  of 
pure  life.  And  the  improved  condition  we  so  earn- 
estly desire  will  not  have  been  attained  until  the 
regulation  of  public  and  private  manners  reach  such 
a  degree  of  perfection  that  it  becomes  impossible  for 
any  man  to  swerve  one  hair's  breadth  from  the  right 
path,  even  should  he  endeavor  to  do  so;  so  that  all 
government  may  be  administered  according  to  the 
laws  of  equity  and  justice,  and  that  the  responsible 
ministers  find  it  impossible  to  swerve  to  the  right 
or  to  the  left,  and  of  necessity  pursue  the  way  of 
righteousness." 


The  Relations  Between  the  People  and  Their  Rulers. 


good  are  capable  of  gross  abuse;  and  depend  upon 
the  opinion,  capability,  piety,  truthfulness,  benevo- 
lence and  the  extent  of  zeal  of  the  governed  and 
their  rulers." 


Perversion  of  Justice. 

"All  partiality  and  perversion  of  justice  by  bribery, 
for  personal  liking  or  hatred,  must  be  abolished,  and 
both  sides  should  be  heard  without  favor;  neither 
saould  the  wicked  be  justified,  nor  the  innocent  con- 
demned." 


The  Value  of  Knowledge. 

**The  hidden  treasures  of  kings  cannot  be  com- 
pared with  a  drop  of  the  water  of  science;  not  with 
the  smallest  cup  of  their  learning;  and  the  heaped-up 
talents  of  gold  and  silver  cannot  be  equal  to  the 
solution  of  the  least  abstruse  of  their  problems." 


What  Just  Rulers  Will   Do. 

"They  will  not  seek  wealth  or  self-advancement. 
Those  kings  and  rulers  whose  fame  for  just  govern- 
ment and  greatness  filled  the  world  did  not  occupy 
themselves  alone  with  their  personal  ambition  and 
the  acquirement  of  riches,  but  accounted  the  public 
weal  and  the  increase  of  the  inhabitants  of  their 
countries  and  the  general  treasury  as  their  greatest 
care.  Their  glory  was  not  bought  with  gold  or 
s.xver,  but  was  purchased  by  the  soundness  of  their 
principles  and  the  nobility  of  their  aspirations.  Such 
are  those  rulers  who  are  benevolent  and  wise,  whose 
dignity  and  real  happiness  lie  in  the  well  being  of 
the  public,  whose  ambition  consists  in  diligently 
searching  after  such  things  as  will  justify  them  and 
their  wealth  and  will  bring  happiness  and  peace  upon 
the  people." 


56 

The  Qualities  of  the  Learned  iVIen. 

"The  learned  men  consider  the  pleasures  of 
nations  as  the  playthings  of  children,  and  account 
riches  and  worldly  pomp  the  fit  reward  of  the  mean 
and  ignorant.  Like  the  birds,  they  are  content  with 
a  few  grains  for  their  sustenance,  but  the  melody  of 
their  wisdom  and  their  knowledge  will  excite  the 
astonishment  of  the  intelligent  and  discerning  among 
the  sages  of  the  world." 


Religion. 

*'The  brightness  of  life  hangs  on  Religion;  and  the 
progress,  renown  and  happiness  of  people  consist  in 
keeping  the  commandments  of  G-od's  Holy  Books. 
To  one  who  considers  life  as  a  whole,  it  is  manifest 
that  in  this  world,  regarded  both  materially  and 
spiritually,  Religion  embodies  the  chief,  infrangible 
foundation  of  things,  and  the  highest,  most  righteous 
and  impregnable  principles  attainable  in  creation;  it 
embodies  the  whole  of  the  ideal  and  formal  perfec- 
tions, and  it  is  the  controller  of  the  civilization  and 
the  prosperity  of  all  mankind." 


Religion  the  Foundation  of  the  Society. 

"Is  religion  the  real  fundamental  principle  of 
humanity  and  civilization?  or  is  it — as  Voltaire  and 
such  as  he  have  thought  it  to  be — the  destroyer  of 
the  essentials  of  the  success,  peace  and  well-being 
of  mankind?" 


Sincerity  the  Basis  of  True  Religion. 

"At  the  bottom  of  religion  is  sincerity;  to  be  more 
explicit,  the  religious  man  must  be  free  from  all 
personal  hatred  and  should  exert  himself  for  the 
good  of  the  community.     Only  by  the  agency  of  true 

*./%lio'4rkTi    la    if    nnaaihiA   fc\r   mATi    tjO   r.lfkSA   t.hftir   at  as   to 


their  own  personal  advantages  and  to  sacrifice  their 
own  personal  benefit  for  the  general  well-being.  For 
self-love  is  inherent  in  the  disposition  of  man,  and 
it  is  impossible  for  him  to  neglect  his  own  casual 
temporal  advantages  unless  he  has  the  hope  of  a 
great  proportionate  reward  in  the  next  world." 


Benefits  of  Mankind  Through   Religion. 

"In  brief,  every  benefit  to  mankind  is  obtained  by 
the  graces  of  the  Divine  Religion,  because  it  leads 
the  truly  religious  souls  to  sincere  purposes,  high 
ambitions,  spotless  chastity  and  honor,  kindliness 
and  mercy,  fidelity  to  promise,  freedom  of  rights 
and  liberality;  justice  to  all  classes  and  conditions 
of  men,  manliness,  generosity,  courage,  resolute  en- 
deavor and  striving  for  the  good  of  all  the  servants 
of  God.  Furthermore,  it  induces  the  various  pleas- 
ing customs  of  humanity  which  are  the  bright  candle 
of  civilization." 


Religion  the  Cause  of  all  Human  Progress. 

"Can  it  be  said  that  the  principles  of  the  Divine 
Religion  are  opposed  to  the  giving  of  encouragement 
and  stimulation  for  the  study  of  useful  sciences  and 
the  spreading  of  general  education,  a  knowledge  of 
the  practical  advantages  of  natural  philosophy,  the 
extension  of  the  domain  of  handicrafts  and  the  in- 
crease of  the  materials  of  commerce  and  national 
wealth?  Or  are  the  disposition  of  the  military 
forces  in  the  cities,  the  planning  of  suburbs  and 
villages,  the  repairing  of  roads  and  bridges  and  the 
construction  of  railways  in  order  to  facilitate  the 
means  of  transport  and  the  traveling  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  a  country — are  these  opposed  and  repugnant 
to  the  Threshold  of  Unity?  Or  are  the  discovering 
of  abandoned  mines  which  are  a  great  source  of 
wealth  to  a  state  and  nation,  and  the  founding  of 
works  and  factories,  which  ape  a  means  of  well-being, 
peace,  and  riches  for  a  whole  nation,  the  encourage- 


ment  of  the  originating  of  new  handicrafts,  and  the 
advancement  of  the  progress  of  home  trade — are 
these  adverse  to  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  of 
Creation?" 


MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR. 


The  Bahai  Temple  of  Worship  and  its  Accessories. 


''The  accessories  of  the  Mashrak-el-Azkar  are 
numerous;  Among  them  are  the  School  for  Orphans, 
the  great  College  for  the  Higher  Arts,  Hospital, 
Home  for  the  Cripples,  and  Hospice.  The  doors  of 
these  places  are  to  be  opened  to  all  nations  and 
religions." 


Bahai    Temple    of    Worship    is    not    only    a    Place    of 
Prayer. 

"Although  the  Temple  is  the  place  of  worship,  with 
it  is  connected  the  Hospital,  Pharmacy,  Hospice, 
School  for  Orphans  and  University  for  the  Study  of 
Higher  Sciences." 


The   Bahai   Temple   Requires  a   Very   Large   Piece   of 
Ground. 

"It  requires  a  very  large  piece  of  ground  so  that 
Hospitals,  Colleges,  Hospice,  School  for  Orphans  and 
the  Mashrak-El-Azkar  for  worship  can  be  built.  These 
buildings  must  be  on  one  piece  of  ground  but 
separated  from  each  other  by  meadows  and  gardens." 


59 

Mashrak-EI-Azkar's  Design. 

"The  Mashrak-El-Azkar  must  have  nine  sides,  doors, 
fountains,  paths,  gateways,  columns  and  gar'dens, 
with  the  ground  floor,  galleries  and  dome  and  in 
design  and  construction  must  be  most  beautiful  and 
artistic." 

Mashrak-EI-Azkar    is    a    Source    for    Dispensing    the 
Spiritual   and    Material    Needs  of   Man. 

"The  most  important  point  is  that  from  the 
Mashrak-El-Azkar  must  go  forth  not  only  spiritually 
necessities,  but  also  the  material  needs,  such  as 
hospitals,  schools,  orphanages,  hospices,  etc." 

The    Accessories    of    the    Mashrak-Ei-Azk'ar    are    the 
Basic   Foundations. 

"The  Mashrak-El-Azkar  has  important  accessories 
which  are  accounted  as  the  basic  foundations. 
These  are:  School  for  Orphans,  Hospital  and  Dis- 
pensary for  the  Poor,  Home  for  the  Crippled,  College 
for  the  higher  scientific  education.     In  every  place — 

First,  a  Mashrak-El-Azkar  must  be  formed. 

Then  a  School  for  the  Education  of  Orphans  and 
Poor. 

Then  a  Hospital  and  Medical  Dispensary  must  be 
established. 

Then  a  Home  for  the  Crippled. 

Then  a  College  for  Higher  Scientific  Education. 
The  Material  Effect  cfr  the  Mashrak-El-Azkar  Upon 
Civilization. 

"The  arrangement  of  the  Mashrak-El-Azkar  is  such 
that  it  will  exert  the  greatest  influence  upon  the 
civilized  world  on  account  of  its  manv  accessories. 
Among  them  are  the  following:  School  for  Orphans, 
College  for  Higher  Scientific  Education,  Hospital, 
Home  for  the  Cripples,  and  Hospice.  When  the 
Mashrak-El-Azkar,  with  its  accessories,  is  founded  in 
the  world,  aside  from  the  religious  and  spiritual 
influence,  it  will  have  a  tremendous  effect  upon 
civilization." 


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